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Funded PhD in Thermomechanical Behaviour of Energy Piles Under Complex Loading Conditions Abertay University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Fully funded PhD studentship for 3 years with a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum (increasing in line with UKRI), tuition fees paid, and a generous study package including limited research consumables, travel budget, and training where appropriate. An additional 3 months of funding may be available if the candidate completes 35 hours of teaching per year during the initial 3 years.
Deadline
Sep 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
Abertay University
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About this position
Funded PhD project at Abertay University in collaboration with the University of Dundee on the thermomechanical behaviour of energy piles under complex loading conditions. The project sits at the intersection of civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental science, and shallow geothermal energy, with a strong focus on energy geostructures, ground source heat pumps, and low-carbon heating for net-zero infrastructure.
The research aims to understand and measure the thermomechanical response of energy piles under complex loads, including vertical-horizontal-moment (VHM) loading, tensile/uplift scenarios, and climate-driven conditions. Planned methods include a novel centrifuge testing programme and finite element modelling in Abaqus, followed by parametric studies of VH/VHM combinations and climate scenarios.
The student will be registered at Abertay University and based primarily there, with centrifuge modelling at the University of Dundee. Supervisors are Dr Andrew Minto, Dr Ehsan Jorat, and Dr Pengpeng He. Applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Andrew Minto before applying.
Eligibility highlights: a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in Civil Engineering or a closely aligned discipline; a master’s in Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology is welcomed; and some experience with numerical modelling is preferred. For non-native English speakers, IELTS 7.0 overall with no band below 6.5 (or equivalent) is required.
Funding: fully funded for 3 years, including a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per year, tuition fees, and a study package covering consumables, travel, and training where appropriate. A 3-month extension may be available if teaching duties are completed.
Deadline: 30 September 2026. Apply via the Abertay University jobs page with a personal statement and CV; shortlisted candidates will later complete an online Research Student Application Form and submit a research proposal.
Funding details
Fully funded PhD studentship for 3 years with a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum (increasing in line with UKRI), tuition fees paid, and a generous study package including limited research consumables, travel budget, and training where appropriate. An additional 3 months of funding may be available if the candidate completes 35 hours of teaching per year during the initial 3 years.
What's required
Applicants must have or expect a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in Civil Engineering or a closely aligned discipline. A master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology is encouraged. Some experience of numerical modelling, preferably with Abaqus, is required. Non-native English speakers must meet IELTS 7.0 overall with no band below 6.5, or an equivalent Home Office-accepted qualification.
How to apply
Apply through the Abertay University jobs page and submit a personal statement explaining your interest in the project plus a CV. If shortlisted, you will also need to complete an online Research Student Application Form including a research proposal. Contact Dr Andrew Minto for advice before submitting.
More information can be found here
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