Scientific Researcher at UGent (Autonomous Navigation)

The Ships and Marine Technology Division (www.ships.ugent.be) is a research group within the Department of Civil Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of Ghent University. Their research is focussing on hydrodynamics of ships and other floating structures in general, and more particularly on the behaviour of ships in confined navigation areas. Additionally, the division is involved in research w.r.t. hydrodynamics of energy conversion (floating wind, offshore pv-panels) and engineering aspects of aquaculture.

The behaviour of ships in restricted waters (access channels, canals, locks, harbour docks) is the major research topic of the Division. This research, covering the hydrodynamics of seagoing and inland vessels in navigation areas with restrictions in both depth and horizontal extent, is performed in close co-operation with Flanders Hydraulics (FH, Flemish Government, Antwerp) within the Knowledge Centre Manoeuvring in Shallow and Confined Water (www.shallowwater.be). This research can be considered as a niche within the field of ship hydrodynamics, as ships are mostly designed for open, deep sea; as a result, most ship hydrodynamics research worldwide is mainly focused on deep water conditions. For this reason, the Knowledge Centre has gained international recognition as one of the leading research groups in ship behaviour in confined waters. Such conditions are of main concern for ships in access channels to ports, harbour areas, docks, locks and berths.

Within this research topic a new position is opened on the topic of autonomous navigation. The division is involved in various projects that study novel algorithms to facilitate the autonomous behaviour and steering of this specific type of ships. This research is in our case typically done by a combination of free running model tests carried out in a towing tank (FH owns two towing tanks, 80m and 175m long) and full scale prototype tests (to validate or identify control algorithms) and manoeuvring simulations. The simulations are carried out with in house developed (together with FH) fast time simulations as well as full mission bridge simulations.

We are looking for a person who has preferably some experience in the topic, but recently graduated masters of science are also eligible. The idea of conducting experimental model tests should trigger the enthusiasm of the candidate, together with hands on programming jobs in and execution of manoeuvring simulations. For sure, you are not scared of mathematics.

Candidates should be holding a MSc degree in Engineering (or equivalent). Experience in experimental hydrodynamics is a strong asset. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset, but not a formal requirement, as most of the research is done in an international context.

You will be supervised by the professors and post-doctoral researchers of the UGent Ships and Marine Technology Division. Your primary workplace will be based in Ghent; however, frequent travel to Antwerp, Ostend, and occasionally abroad will be required. More information can be provided by prof. dr. ir. Guillaume Delefortrie (Guillaume.Delefortrie@UGent.be)

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Master of Science in Engineering with marine specialisation (Naval Architecture, Marine Technology, Ocean Engineering or equivalent), with the following skills and competences:

Candidates should be well‐qualified academically to masters level with maritime background. The project will require a mix of skills, including mathematical modelling, programming, simulation skills and practical engineering aspects.
Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
Candidates must be flexible, responsible and team workers;
Candidates must be proficient in English. Knowledge of Dutch is convenient, but not a requirement;
Prior experience in experimental fluid dynamics or autonomous navigation considered as an advantage.