Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP) Model and Simulation Developer (Part-time)

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

The School of Engineering and Built Environment at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is seeking to appoint either one individual (0.8 FTE) or two individuals (job share of 0.8FTE) with relevant experience in developing simulator ship models and either have experience of STCW Training or capacity to research and develop training line with the STCW Code. It is fixed term for a duration of 6 months.

You will contribute to an EPSRC-funded research and innovation initiative, the Maritime and Last Mile Net Zero (MaLaMi) project, delivered through UKRI’s Place-based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA).

You will be expected to:

• Develop the Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WaSP) model of a ship within LJMU’s maritime simulators, working with Wartsila’s ship modelling software - Virtual Shipyard, 3ds Max, and related ship-modelling or CAD tools. The developed WaSP model will support the creation of a validated WaSP training framework for integration into training programmes, as well as for trials and demonstrations.
• Undertake a review of the STCW Code to identify gaps and inform the development of a training curriculum and realistic simulator scenarios for vessels fitted with WaSP. This will include contributing to the delivery of a two-day simulator-based course using the WaSP model and evaluating the impact of training on watchkeeper decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with project partners to understand their research and development activities within the project, and to identify opportunities where LJMU can provide additional expertise or support.

Working with the team, you will be required to engage with other researchers and project partners to gather necessary data for developing the WaSP ship model. This work will also include working in the LJMU simulators to create new simulation scenarios and/or collect data from the simulator.

It is expected that you will have a solid background in naval architecture, marine engineering, maritime simulation, 3ds Max, and related ship-modelling or CAD tools and associated software programming with an understanding of hydrodynamics, vessel manoeuvring characteristics, and the integration of propulsion systems (including novel technologies such as WaSP). Experience communicating with external partners, especially those in marine/maritime industry, is also desirable.

Informal enquiries may be made to Dr. Abdul Khalique, email: a.khalique@ljmu.ac.uk.

LJMU values diversity and provides a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can fulfil their potential.

Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.