Research Opportunities
Maritime Infrastructures / Offshore Renewable Energy
Work description
The PhD candidate’s work plan aims to develop innovative mooring and anchoring solutions for floating offshore wind turbines, integrating advanced structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. The work includes research into new anchoring concepts adaptable to different soil types, the development of smart mooring cables with embedded sensors, and the integration of structural monitoring data for performance optimization and predictive maintenance. The plan also includes experimental validation in an ocean laboratory and, if possible, in collaboration with industrial partners.
The work to be carried out will include experiments in an ocean laboratory, participation in structural monitoring campaigns, and training in advanced numerical simulation and data analysis tools. The candidate will also have a training and capacity-building period to be defined at SINTEF OCEAN in Trondheim (Norway). The supervisory team is composed of Filipe Manuel Rodrigues Leite Magalhães (FEUP) and Diogo Neves (INESCTEC), together with co-supervisors from INESCTEC and SINTEF Ocean (Norway), as outlined in the work plan.
Academic Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Materials Engineering, Naval Engineering, or related fields, with a solid background in structural dynamics, finite element analysis, and material behaviour.
- Eligible applicants: Students who are enrolled, or who commit to enroll by the time of hiring, in a PhD degree-awarding study programme offered by a Higher Education Institution.
Minimum profile required
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent command of spoken and written English.
Preference factors
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in:
- Dynamic analysis of floating objects and moorings for offshore structures.
- Numerical modelling of offshore structures using software such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, OrcaFlex, OpenFAST, or similar.
- Knowledge of mooring and anchoring systems.
- Ability to analyze and interpret experimental and simulation data.
Maintenance stipend: € 1309.64, according to the table of monthly maintenance stipend for FCT grants , paid via bank transfer. Grant holders may be awarded potential supplements, according to a quarterly evaluation process (Articles 19, 21 and 22 of the Regulations for Grants of INESC TEC and Annex II), up to a maximum limit of 50% of the monthly maintenance stipend.
INESC TEC supports costs with registration, enrolment or tuition fees, during the grant duration, under the terms established in the internal document: "Payment of Tuition fees to grant holders".
The grant holder will benefit from health insurance, supported by INESC TEC.
Application Period
Since 02 Oct 2025 to 17 Oct 2025
Scientific Advisor
Diogo Neves
What we offer
- Multicultural and collaborative environment
- A multicultural, international and collaborative environment that makes it easier to exchange ideas, work in networks and create synergies.
- International projects
- The possibility of working in international projects with some of the most important companies in the field.
- Mentoring
- Mentoring with the best researchers in the fields of electrical and industrial engineering, bioengineering, information technology and physics.
- Self Improvement
- The possibility of participating in international conferences, workshops, seminars and vocational training.
- Other Benefits and Perks
- Flexible working time, health insurance, discounts in hotels, transportation, etc.
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