Funded PhD in AI for Rogue Waves
Tianning TANG
[FSE Bicentenary PhD Studentship] Unravelling Rogue Waves from Non-stationary Sea States under Extreme Weather
The University of Manchester – Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Supervisors: Prof David M. Schultz, Dr Tim Tang, Dr Samuel Draycott, Prof Peter Stansby
Start date: Saturday, 31 January 2026
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
About the Project
This fully funded PhD will explore how the ocean changes during extreme weather and how these changes can give rise to powerful and unpredictable rogue waves. Traditional ways of describing the sea often treat it as steady and unchanging, but this project looks at the ocean as a living, rapidly evolving system shaped by storms and atmospheric forces.
By combining new data-driven approaches with global ocean observations, the project will uncover how sudden shifts in the sea’s behaviour lead to extreme waves. The insights gained will support safer offshore operations, renewable energy design, and improved forecasting of marine hazards.
Training and Environment
You will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment spanning oceanography, meteorology, offshore engineering, and AI. Training includes specialist courses, collaborative exchanges with UK and international partners (including the University of Oxford and ECMWF), and access to high-performance computing and state-of-the-art hydrodynamic facilities.
How to Apply
Before applying, please contact the supervisory team with your CV:
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Prof David M. Schultz – david....@manchester.ac.uk
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Dr Tim Tang – tim....@manchester.ac.uk
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Dr Samuel Draycott – samuel....@manchester.ac.uk
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Prof Peter Stansby – p.k.s...@manchester.ac.uk
To apply formally, submit via the University of Manchester’s online portal and specify the full project title, supervisors, and required documents (CV, personal statement, transcripts, and referee contacts).
Funding and Eligibility
The award covers:
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Full tuition fees (UK and international students)
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UKRI minimum stipend (£20,780 per annum)
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£5,000 per annum research training support grant
for the full 4-year programme.
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, at least an upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Earth/Ocean Sciences, or related fields. Prior research experience in fluid mechanics, wave modelling, or ocean data analysis is advantageous but not essential.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The University of Manchester is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those returning from career breaks. Flexible study arrangements (50–80% part-time) can be considered.
More Details at: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/fse-bicentenary-phd-unravelling-rogue-waves-from-non-stationary-sea-states-under-extreme-weather/?p188712