The University of Southampton, United Kingdom, is offering four fully funded PhD positions under different Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), supervised by Dr Hongyu Zhang and leading international collaborators. These opportunities are ideal for highly motivated graduates interested in energy systems, climate modelling, machine learning, optimisation, quantum computing, and sustainability.
All positions are fully funded and open to suitable domestic and international candidates, subject to specific deadlines.
Available PhD Positions
1. Techno-Economic Modelling of Sustainable Data Centre Integration in the European Energy System
Funding: UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Sustainability (SustAI CDT)
Deadline: 27 January 2026
Application website: here.
This project focuses on analysing how large-scale data centres can be sustainably integrated into Europe’s energy system. The research will explore energy demand, emissions, flexibility services, renewable integration, cooling solutions, and waste heat recovery using advanced optimisation models.
Key areas include:
- Long-term energy system modelling
- Data centre flexibility and renewable integration
- Techno-economic and policy analysis
- Net-zero transition strategies for Europe
2. Quantum Computing for Large-Scale Stochastic Optimisation in Energy System Planning
Funding: EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering
Deadline:
- UK applicants: 31 July 2026
- International applicants: 31 March 2026
Application website: here.
This project explores how quantum computing and hybrid quantum–classical algorithms can address uncertainty in large-scale energy system planning. It combines stochastic optimisation, quantum algorithms, and real-world energy modelling to support Europe’s net-zero goals.
Opportunities include:
- Research stays and industry placements
- Collaboration with Purdue University
- Cutting-edge work in quantum optimisation
3. Machine Learning and Optimisation for Climate Modelling and Energy System Integration
Funding: EPSRC CDT in Mathematics for Our Future Climate (MFC CDT)
Deadlines:
- Second round: 11 January 2026
- Final round: 8 March 2026
Application website: here.
This PhD will develop machine learning and optimisation tools to integrate climate models with energy system planning. The project addresses climate uncertainty, renewable variability, and long-term resilience using scalable, GPU-enabled computational methods.
Research focus:
- Climate-driven uncertainty in energy systems
- Machine learning for scenario generation
- Optimisation for resilient, low-carbon planning
4. Machine Learning and Stochastic Optimisation for Maritime Anomaly Behaviour Identification
Funding: EPSRC and MOD CDT in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security (CISDnS)
Deadline: 20 April 2026
Application website: here.
This project applies machine learning and stochastic optimisation to detect anomalous maritime behaviour using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. It supports maritime security, sustainable shipping, and global trade monitoring.
Key themes:
- Anomaly detection in large, uncertain datasets
- Hybrid ML–optimisation methods
- Real-world validation with maritime stakeholders
Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
- Full PhD funding (tuition fees and stipend)
- Research training through leading UK Centres for Doctoral Training
- Supervision by internationally recognised researchers
- Opportunities for international collaboration, industry placements, and research stays
- Access to advanced computational resources and interdisciplinary research environments
- Strong career pathways in academia, industry, and policy
Eligibility and Skills
Applicants should have a strong background in one or more of the following:
- Applied mathematics, optimisation, or operations research
- Energy systems, climate modelling, or sustainability
- Machine learning, data science, or artificial intelligence
- Programming skills (Python, Julia, GPU programming, or similar)
Contact Information
For questions and further details, contact:
Dr Hongyu Zhang
Email: Hongyu.Zhang@soton.ac.uk
For additional information sheet, click here.
Summary
The University of Southampton is offering four fully funded PhD opportunities in cutting-edge fields including energy systems, climate modelling, machine learning, quantum computing, and maritime security. These positions provide full financial support, international collaboration, and strong career development for young researchers aiming to contribute to sustainability, net-zero transitions, and advanced computational research.
For more opportunities, click here.
