This self-funded PhD opportunity is open to both UK and international students with a strong background or a willingness to learn in areas such as offshore engineering, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, or structural/geotechnical engineering. The project aims to develop generative AI and physics-informed models for the site-specific design of offshore wind turbine foundations, addressing key cost and efficiency barriers in wind farm deployment. Over a period of three years, the candidate will build and validate AI tools that integrate geotechnical, environmental, and structural data.
This project lies at the cutting edge of offshore renewable energy, structural engineering, and artificial intelligence, addressing urgent global needs in the transition to net-zero emissions. As offshore wind farms expand into deeper waters and more complex seabed conditions, there is an increasing demand for cost efficient, safe, and rapid foundation design. Traditional manual methods are no longer sufficient. This research aligns with the global push for digitalisation and decarbonisation of infrastructure systems, making it highly relevant and timely.
The PhD will focus on developing an AI-driven generative design framework for offshore wind turbine foundations. It will use geotechnical, structural, and environmental data to generate and optimise site-specific foundation designs (e.g., monopile, jacket). The approach combines generative models (e.g., VAEs or diffusion models) with physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) to ensure the structural and geotechnical validity of outputs. Designs will be validated using finite element analysis and ranked based on structural performance and techno-economic impact, including LCOE contribution.
Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é is a world-leading postgraduate institution renowned for applied research in engineering, energy, and technology innovation. The student will be based within a dynamic research group with access to cutting-edge computational tools and interdisciplinary collaboration. This is a self-funded PhD, open to both UK and international students, offering the opportunity to lead an ambitious project aligned with national and global energy priorities.
The project will deliver a computational design tool that automates and optimises foundation design under realistic site conditions. This will reduce the time, cost, and uncertainty associated with offshore wind development, and support smarter engineering decisions. The research will contribute to accelerating the deployment of low carbon infrastructure, with direct applications in both academic and industrial settings—including wind farm developers, consultants, and digital design software providers.
- Opportunity to work at the intersection of AI, renewable energy, and civil engineering.
- Access to high-performance computing, simulation software (e.g., OpenFAST, Abaqus), and digital twin platforms.
- Support for presenting at international conferences and publishing in high-impact journals.
- Optional external training in advanced machine learning, offshore design codes, or industry software.
- Potential collaboration with leading academic and industry stakeholders in wind energy.
The student will gain highly sought-after skills in AI/ML, structural simulation, and data-driven engineering design—transferable across academia, offshore wind, civil infrastructure, and digital engineering sectors. They will also develop project management, scientific communication, and research leadership skills essential for a successful career in industry, research consultancy, or academia.
At a glance
- Application deadline23 Jul 2025
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date29 Sep 2025
- Duration of award3 years
- EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of world
- Reference numberSATM588
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit candidates from diverse academic backgrounds, including civil or structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, data science, or applied mathematics. A strong interest in renewable energy, AI applications, or digital engineering is essential. Prior experience in programming, numerical modelling, or finite element analysis is beneficial but not mandatory, as training will be provided. The project is ideal for self-motivated individuals who are keen to apply emerging technologies to tackle real-world energy and infrastructure. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented and non-traditional academic backgrounds.
Funding
Self funded.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Dr Ravi Kumar Pandit
Email: ravi.pandit@cranfield.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 1234 758471
If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the