Cullen PhD Scholarship on the use of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships - Apply now

About the Project

NMCI & MTU invite applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD project as a full-time programme of study. This PhD, ‘The use of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) in coastal waters and the implications for the future of the maritime industry, particularly from a Maritime Education and Training (MET) perspective’, is supported by the Marine Institute and funded under the Marine Research Programme by the Government of Ireland.

The project aims to assess and quantify the implications of MASS on the future of Ireland’s maritime industry. The research will identify how MASS will affect the maritime industry along a range of dimensions that will include, but will not be limited to, operational, technological, safety and human resource implications.

The research will address future skills and training needs. By developing the requisite skills and capabilities in Ireland’s maritime industry to take advantage of the expected paradigm shift that MASS will bring about, the competitiveness of Ireland’s maritime industry can be enhanced and new opportunities for job creation identified.

Some of the areas that may be most relevant to focus on include:

• Identify the implications of MASS for Ireland’s maritime industry, and policy landscape.
• Develop a methodology to assess how MASS can be operated safely and efficiently in maritime environments, acknowledging recent advancements in AI for autonomous navigation and machine learning for collision avoidance.
• Assess the implications for MASS on the International Convention of Standards on Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
• Identify the training and skills that will be needed in Ireland’s maritime industry to compete and thrive in a competitive global environment in which Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships are commonplace.
• Identify the opportunities that exist for Ireland to develop new skills and capabilities in the changing maritime industry that will enhance competitiveness and support job creation.
• Investigate the link between the research and the need to bring about a digital transformation in Ireland’s maritime industry.

Requirements

Applicants must have achieved at least a second-class higher level (2H1) classification or equivalent in an appropriate discipline area relevant to the research field from a recognised degree awarding body OR possess a Master’s Degree in an appropriate discipline area relevant to the research field from a recognised degree awarding body.

The successful candidate should have a background in the maritime sector, maritime operations or maritime engineering, with strong analytical skills and experience in report writing. Good people and communication skills would be advantageous in this scholarship, given the span of engagement that is involved at national and international level (Government Departments, industry, maritime professionals, personnel from research centres, etc.). They should have an interest in and an aptitude for publishing peer reviewed mixed-methods research and working to improve the awareness of MASS across the maritime sector.

For applicants whose first language is not English, the English language requirements accepted by MTU for entry into postgraduate studies are:

• IELTS Academic 6.0 (No less than a 5.5 in any one band)
• PTE Academic 51 (Minimum 45 in each component)
• TOEFL IBT 80 min (score of 18 in each component)
• Duolingo score Min of 100

Please refer to - https://www.mtu.ie/international/eu-applicants/

General terms and conditions of this PhD Scholarship award

Start date & location: This PhD starts no later than 11th May 2025. The student will be based primarily at Munster Technological University, NMCI/Bishopstown Campus and will also have access to o ice facilities at the Marine Institute’s Dublin O ice (IMDO Irish Maritime Development O ice). The student will be registered at MTU, working under the supervision of Dr Paul Hegarty (MTU) in association with Dr Breda Kenny (MTU) and Mr Liam Lacey (IMDO), with industry guidance provided by Mr Gordon Meadow.

Funding: The scholarship funding is tax free and includes the payment of University PhD fees (EU or non-EU) and a student stipend at a flat rate of €25,000.00 per annum which is tenable for 4 years.

The scholarship award also includes a budget of up to €3,000 per annum for eligible research costs (travel & subsistence, publication costs, consumables and other costs, such as minor kit purchase e.g. camera) for the sole use of the student and are payable on a reimbursement basis direct to the host institution. There are no overheads payable on the scholarship.

Publication costs are intended to cover publications on which the scholar is listed as first author and are published under Open Access. Scholars can also supplement this funding by applying to the Marine Institute’s Networking & Marine Research Communication Awards annual call. In addition, the cost of a laptop will be covered by the Marine Institute (purchased via the Research Funding Office).

To apply:

Please send a single PDF File consisting of the following to paul.hegarty@mtu.ie and breda.kenny@mtu.ie with ‘Cullen Scholarship PhD Application’ in the subject heading:

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), including:

a. Education history

b. Relevant skills

c. Research projects/publications

2. A cover letter (2-pages max) including a description of the applicant’s research interests, reasons for applying for the position. The Cover Letter must clearly indicate how the applicant’s profile and skills fit the requirements of this PhD position.

3. Scanned copies of relevant academic transcripts and, if applicable, English language certificates.

4. A minimum of two recommendation letters and/or contact information for referees. Further information or queries please email paul.hegarty@mtu.ie and breda.kenny@mtu.ie

• Closing date for applications – 25th February 2025
• Interviews (online) anticipated to be held early March 2025
• PhD commencement date latest by 11th May 2025

Funding Acknowledgement

This project (Grant-Aid Agreement No. CS/24/005 is carried out with the support of the Marine Institute and funded under the Marine Research Programme by the Government of Ireland.