Reliability centred maintenance for high-voltage direct current systems

Key facts

• Opens: Thursday 30 April 2026
• Deadline: Wednesday 30 September 2026
• Number of places: 1
• Duration: 4 years
• Funding: Home fee, Stipend, Travel costs

Eligibility

This 4 year fully funded studentship is open to applicants with a first-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical/Structural Engineering, Physics or other relevant areas.

Project Details

This PhD research opportunity focuses on advancing Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM) strategies for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnectors or offshore HVDC platforms, addressing the growing need for robust, availability‑driven asset management in high‑voltage transmission systems. The successful candidate will investigate failure modes, maintenance philosophies, condition‑monitoring requirements, and operational constraints of complex HVDC infrastructure, drawing on real‑world insights into converter stations, auxiliary systems, and system availability factors.

The role will involve developing data‑informed methodologies and strategies that enhance long‑term reliability, integrate modern maintenance practices, and support the evolving operational expectations of HVDC assets within critical energy networks.

Funding details

A minimum, tax-free, stipend starting at £21,805 per year is available. Additionally, £3,000 per annum is provided for consumables and travel. Funded jointly by ESBand EPSRC, this 4-year PhD studentship is based at the University of Strathclyde.

While there is no funding in place for opportunities marked "unfunded", there are lots of different options to help you fund postgraduate research. Visit funding your postgraduate research for links to government grants, research councils funding and more, that could be available.

Professor James Carroll

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Apply

Overseas/EU applications are accepted until 31 May 2026. Home and UK applications are accepted until all places are filled.

To apply, submit a CV, cover letter, certificates and transcripts to j.carroll@strath.ac.uk and drew.smith@strath.ac.uk .

Apply

Number of places: 1

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Contact us

• j.carroll@strath.ac.uk
• drew.smith@strath.ac.uk .

Research areas