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.