This fully funded PhD studentship is offered by University College Cork within the MaREI Centre’s Circular Economy Energy and Environmental Systems (CEEES) Research Group. The research project, titled “Low carbon fuel pathways for remote island ferries,” is supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and aims to address the urgent need for decarbonisation in Ireland’s short distance maritime transport sector. The successful candidate will investigate the feasibility of electrifying remote island ferry routes, including battery swapping, opportunistic charging, and hybrid options that incorporate liquid and gaseous fuels. The project will also explore the production and use of e-fuels and biofuels within circular economy systems, with a strong emphasis on techno-economic, life cycle, and multi criteria decision analysis. The PhD will be based in the MaREI Centre for energy, climate and marine, a leading research centre within UCC’s Sustainability Institute. The Institute is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to global sustainability challenges, with expertise spanning environmental, marine, energy, sustainable materials, and food research. MaREI itself is a collaborative hub, involving 13 universities and over 100 industry partners, and has secured more than €130 million in research funding. The CEEES group, comprising around 20 researchers, focuses on renewable advanced fuel production, including biofuels, biorefineries, e-fuels, and innovative energy conversion technologies. Research activities range from laboratory-scale production of biohydrogen and biomethane to desktop analyses such as chemical kinetic modelling, process simulation, and sustainability assessments. The AI-Ferry project specifically targets the development of alternative indigenous fuels for use in island ferry services, addressing both technical and policy challenges. Ireland’s maritime transport sector is vital for economic growth and community connectivity but is also a significant source of emissions. The project will provide key insights into the feasibility, cost implications, and operational challenges of adopting low-emission technologies, including the impacts on port decarbonisation strategies and the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks. The studentship offers a tax-free stipend of €25,000 per year for four years, with EU tuition fees covered. Non-EU applicants may be required to pay additional fees. The position is based at the School of Engineering and Architecture, University College Cork, starting July 1st, 2026. Applicants must hold a first-class honours degree (or equivalent) in civil, environmental, energy, mechanical, chemical, or electrical engineering, and demonstrate experience in integrated energy and transport systems. Strong teamwork, communication, and organisational skills are essential. Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each section). To apply, candidates should email their application and supporting documents to Prof Jerry D Murphy at [email protected], ensuring all eligibility criteria are met. Further details and the internal application form are available via the official position link. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about sustainable energy, transport decarbonisation, and interdisciplinary research in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

This fully funded PhD studentship at University College Cork focuses on the electrification of remote island ferries and its impact on rural energy systems, as part of the AI-Ferry project. The research is supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and will be based in the MaREI Centre for energy, climate, and marine, within the UCC Sustainability Institute. The project aims to assess the feasibility and impact of electrifying ferry services to Ireland’s offshore island communities, including battery swapping, opportunistic charging, hybrid options, and the integration of alternative indigenous fuels such as biomethane and hydrogen. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research group led by Dr Barry Hayes, with additional supervision from Prof Jerry D Murphy, Dr Archishman Bose, Dr Richard O’Shea, and Dr David Wall. The group is renowned for its expertise in electricity grid integration of sustainable energy technologies and has received multiple awards for research excellence. The student will have access to state-of-the-art resources, including high-performance computing, industry-standard power systems software, real-time simulation tools, and a laboratory microgrid. The AI-Ferry project addresses key challenges in maritime transport decarbonisation, focusing on technical, economic, and environmental feasibility. It will provide valuable insights for industry and government stakeholders regarding the electrification of ferry services, the use of alternative fuels, and the development of resilient rural energy systems. The research will contribute to Ireland’s ambitious climate targets and support the transition to a zero-carbon, resource-efficient society. The position is a 48-month, fully funded PhD studentship, offering a tax-free stipend of €25,000 per year and coverage of EU tuition fees. Non-EU applicants may be required to pay additional fees. Applicants must hold a first-class honours degree in electrical engineering, energy engineering, or a closely related discipline, with experience in modelling and analysing electrical energy systems. Strong teamwork, communication, and organisational skills are essential. Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each section). Applications should include a CV and a 1000-word perspective on the electrification of remote island ferries, submitted via email to Dr Barry Hayes ([email protected]) by noon on 12th February 2026. The successful candidate will benefit from a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and contribute to cutting-edge research in sustainable energy systems and rural electrification.

A fully-funded PhD studentship is available at University College Cork and the MaREI Centre, focusing on low carbon pathways for remote island ferries. The project, funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), aims to examine the decarbonisation of remote island ferries through electrification strategies (such as battery swapping, opportunity charging, and hybrid modes) and the production of liquid and gaseous e-fuels and biofuels within circular economy systems. The research will employ desk top modelling, integrating techno-economic analysis, life cycle assessment, and multi-criteria decision analysis. The supervisory team includes Professor Jerry D Murphy, Dr David Wall, Dr Richard O'Shea, Dr Barry Hayes, and Dr Nathan Gray, all based at University College Cork. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment at the MaREI Centre, collaborating with experts in environmental science, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering. The position offers a stipend of €25,000 per annum for four years, with tuition fees fully covered. Applicants should have a strong academic background in engineering, environmental science, or a related discipline, and experience with techno-economic analysis, life cycle assessment, or multi-criteria decision analysis is desirable. Good written and spoken English is required. To apply, candidates must email their CV and a 1000-word perspective on decarbonising island ferries to Professor Jerry D Murphy ([email protected]) by noon on Thursday, 12th February 2026, using the subject line “AI Ferry_PhD_APPLICANT NAME”. For full details, visit the official vacancy page.

A fully funded PhD studentship is available at University College Cork and the MaREI Centre, focusing on low carbon pathways for remote island ferries. The research, funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), aims to examine the decarbonisation of remote island ferries through electrification strategies (including battery swapping, opportunity charging, and hybrid modes), as well as the production of liquid and gaseous e-fuels and biofuels within circular economy systems. The project will employ desk top modelling integrating techno-economic, life cycle, and multi-criteria decision analysis. The supervisory team includes Professor Jerry D Murphy, Dr David Wall, Dr Richard O'Shea, Dr Barry Hayes, and Dr Nathan Gray, all affiliated with University College Cork. The position offers a stipend of €25,000 per annum for four years, with tuition fees fully covered. Applicants should have a strong academic background in engineering, environmental science, or a related field, and experience with techno-economic analysis, life cycle assessment, or multi-criteria decision analysis is desirable. To apply, candidates must email their CV and a 1000-word perspective on decarbonising island ferries to Professor Jerry D Murphy by noon on 12th February 2026, using the subject line “AI Ferry_PhD_APPLICANT NAME”. For more information, visit the provided links. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in environmental science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, sustainability, and energy systems.