PhD Studentship: MINELOOP – Closed-Loop Geothermal Technologies in Minewater Systems
Explore innovative geothermal solutions using minewater systems to advance sustainable energy technologies.
Best for:Best for graduates or master’s students in engineering, geoscience, or environmental science with strong analytical and computational skills, particularly those interested in renewable energy and geothermal technologies.
Overview
This fully funded PhD position at The University of Manchester focuses on developing closed-loop geothermal technologies for minewater systems. The project aims to address technical uncertainties in open-loop systems by investigating high-density polyethylene U-tube systems suspended in minewater voids. The successful candidate will conduct numerical modelling (using FEFLOW, COMSOL, MATLAB, or Python), field experiments at the Glasgow Geoenergy Observatory, and hydrothermal analysis to improve thermal efficiency and heat plume evolution. The research will contribute to low-risk, high-performance geothermal energy solutions, supporting net-zero targets and energy security. Training in numerical modelling and professional development will be provided.
What you'll do
- Conduct numerical modelling of coupled heat, flow, and transport processes in minewater systems using FEFLOW, COMSOL, MATLAB, or Python.
- Perform field experiments at the Glasgow Geoenergy Observatory to gather hydrothermal response data.
- Develop and customise models to explore sensitivity analyses and predict flow pathways in minewater systems.
- Integrate experimental and simulated datasets into a comprehensive data analysis workflow using statistical and forward modelling methods.
- Develop predictive tools and operational guidelines for effective deployment of closed-loop geothermal systems.
- Participate in technical training sessions on numerical modelling and specialised courses in coupled heat and flow simulations.
- Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
Degree required: At least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Science, Geoscience, Civil Engineering).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and communication (no explicit test requirement mentioned).
Instruction: English
- Strong analytical and computational skills, particularly in numerical modelling and simulation software (e.g., FEFLOW, COMSOL, MATLAB, Python).
- Experience with hydrothermal analysis or related environmental engineering research.
- Ability to conduct field experiments and data collection.
- Proficiency in statistical analysis and data integration techniques.
- Eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate (UK residents or international students meeting specific criteria).
- No explicit nationality or residency restrictions beyond tuition fee eligibility.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-28
Applicants should contact the main supervisor, Dr Christopher Brown, via email at christopher.brown-4@manchester.ac.uk. Include details of your current level of study, academic background, relevant experience, and a paragraph explaining your motivation for the PhD project. Apply through the university’s PhD application portal: uom.link/pgr-apply-2425.
- CV
- Cover letter or motivation paragraph
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc, if applicable)
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Contact
Dr Christopher Brown· Main Supervisor
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