PhD Fellowships, Ghent University, Belgium (2019)

The Maritime Technology Division (www.maritiem.ugent.be) is a research group within the Department of Civil Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of Ghent University. Their research is focussing on hydrodynamics of ships and other floating structures in general, and more particularly on the behaviour of ships in confined navigation areas. Additionally, the division is involved in research w.r.t. hydrodynamics of wave energy conversion and, more recently, engineering aspects of aquaculture.

The behaviour of ships in restricted waters (access channels, canals, locks, harbour docks) is the major research topic of the Division. This research, covering the hydrodynamics of seagoing and inland vessels in navigation areas with restrictions in both depth and horizontal extent, is performed in close co-operation with Flanders Hydraulics Research (FHR, Flemish Government, Antwerp) within the Knowledge Centre Manoeuvring in Shallow and Confined Water (www.shallowwater.ugent.be/). This research can be considered as a niche within the field of ship hydrodynamics, as ships are mostly designed for open, deep sea; as a result, most ship hydrodynamics research worldwide is mainly focused on deep water conditions. For this reason, the Knowledge Centre has gained international recognition as one of the leading research groups in ship behaviour in confined waters. Such conditions are of main concern for ships in access channels to ports, harbour areas, docks, locks, berths.

Profile of the candidate

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Master of Science in Engineering with maritime specialisation (Naval Architecture or equivalent), with the following skills and competences:
- Candidates should be well‐qualified academically to masters level with maritime background. The project will require a mix of skills, including mathematical modelling, programming, simulation skills and practical engineering aspects. Involvement in experimental testing in a towing tank or flume is expected as well;
- Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Due to the complex structure of the project consortium which consists of groups with quite varying professional background, communication skills are of high importance;
- Candidates must be flexible, responsible and team workers;
- Candidates must be proficient in English. Knowledge of Dutch is convenient, but not a requirement;
- Mathematical programming expertise is highly required;
- Prior experience in data analysis and related statistics using appropriate software tools is considered as an advantage

For more information, please visit the following link:
PhD Fellowships, Ghent University, Belgium (2019)