We are seeking to fulfil a PhD Studentship position, aligned with the MaREI Centre research theme on the environmental effects of offshore renewable energy development, and the remit of the Marine Research Infrastructures Section at the Marine Institute.

The appointed person will be working closely with Dr. Jimmy Murphy, Mr. Gerry Sutton (MaREI), and Mr Paul Gaughan (MI), as well as their respective group’s other relevant PhD students, Post-Doctoral Researchers and relevant academic and industry collaborators.

We seek applications from candidates with expertise and proven interest in areas such as marine acoustics, physical oceanography, applied physics, marine numerical modelling, hydrodynamics and coastal engineering. Ideal candidates will also have experience in sound propagation modelling, and modelling of marine animal populations and behavioural responses to environmental stressors.      

The PhD student will be based at the MaREI centre, Beaufort Building in Ringaskiddy, but will also spend time at the Marine Institute in Oranmore Co. Galway. MaREI is the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine research and innovation co-ordinated by the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) at University College Cork. The Centre comprises over 220 researchers focusing on defined global challenges such as the Energy Transition, Climate Action and the Blue Economy. The MaREI PhD cohort is a vibrant and innovative research community, leading the way in Energy, Climate and Marine research.

Project Summary

The research is being fully funded under the Marine Institute Cullen Scholarship Programme, and a detailed research plan entitled “Development and verification of a sound propagation model for predicting effects of Offshore Renewable Energy”, has been approved. This research is designed to fill a recognised gap and generate the tools, knowledge and human capacity to understand, quantify and manage the acoustic impact of offshore energy development. Once established the integrated modelling framework (hydrodynamics/acoustics/biological impact) will be able to simulate a virtually unlimited array of possible development scenarios (and their associated sound sources) including source levels attenuated by the use of active sound pollution mitigation technologies. This will also enable cumulative and in-combination effects to be simulated.

Outputs (sound maps, metrics and statistical quantities) from the selection of highly realistic case study scenarios can also be used to inform ongoing initiatives in the evolving Marine Spatial Planning framework, and potentially the designation of spatially or temporally moderated protection/operational mitigation areas where significantly higher acoustic disturbance risks may be encountered e.g in certain places at certain times of the year.

The programme will also provide a focal point for awareness around the topic of acoustic pollution as an environmental impact and can be used to generate objective visually engaging information, graphical products and animations to inform discussion and guide strategic policy decisions that can help inform the future of offshore development in Ireland.  

Applicant Qualifications

Applicants should hold and excellent undergraduate or Masters degree in applied physics (with acoustics major), physical oceanography (with hydrodynamic and/or acoustic modelling majors), geophysics, coastal engineering, computer science or other relevant research areas. Ideally candidates should be able to demonstrate in interest in both theoretical aspects and practical applications of sound propagation modelling as relevant for informing environmental impact assessments.

The successful applicant will receive a stipend of €25,000 per annum for up to four years and EU tuition fees will be covered for four years. Non-EU candidates can apply for an international fee waiver towards the fee contribution.

If the successful applicant’s first language is not English they will have to provide evidence of English language proficiency htps://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/

General enquires about the PhD position can be made to Gerry Sutton (Gerry.sutton@ucc.ie).

Start date: We expect the successful applicant to start as soon as possible. 

To Apply: