The absorption of carbon dioxide and other gases by the oceans plays a major role in our climate and coastal processes, including coral and seagrass growth for coastal protection, 
but we lack a comprehensive understanding of the processes by which this occurs. The entrainment of air bubbles in breaking waves is known to be important, but how this occurs in 
real, three-dimensional sea states and coastal environments remains unknown. In this exciting PhD project you will investigate how air-ocean CO2 and O2 exchange is influenced by 
different types of three-dimensional wave breaking. The research will deliver both fundamental insight into wave dynamics and real-world benefits in climate modelling and coastal 
protection. The main scientific outcome will be improved understanding of bubble dynamics in directional breaking waves. The work will seek to understand how qualitatively different 
wave breaking processes influence bubble entrainment, in terms of the quantity of bubbles, the bubble sizes, and the depth to which they are entrained. This project is a 
collaboration between the University of Manchester (UK) and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore, both world-leading in the fields of experimental 
and numerical wave dynamics. The University of Manchester offers a novel computational model to capture bubble entrainment, and unparalleled expertise on three-dimensional wave 
dynamics, whilst A*STAR offers world leading expertise in breaking wave and bubble dynamics and high-performance computing. Together this enables this transformative project with 
broad applicability across ocean and coastal science and engineering. The project will lead to joint research publications in leading journals, presentations at international 
conferences, and your research will support improved estimates of air-ocean CO2 and O2 exchange. This will directly lead to increased accuracy of predictive climate models. The 
outputs will also be made open source and parameterised for use in offshore engineering and wave prediction models, improving the state-of-the-art in these areas. You will spend 2 
years in Manchester and 2 years in Singapore. Alongside a range of transferable skills such as scientific writing and presentation skills, you will gain proficiency in theoretical, 
experimental and computational fluid dynamics, scientific programming, and high-performance computing. These skills are highly valued across a broad range of industries.

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Expected Start: October 2025 

Before you Apply  

We recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project on samuel.draycott@manchester.ac.uk and Ronald_Chan@Ihpc.a-star.edu.sg

How to apply 

To be considered for this project, you will need to complete an application here (https://www.se.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/getting-started/applying/?
utm_source=findaphd_project&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fse_pgr2425). Please read this page carefully before starting your application.   

When you apply you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:  

Personal Statement  
Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications  
Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress  
CV  
English Language certificate  
2 details of academic referees  
In your application, include the project title (UoM - A* STAR) Air-Ocean gas exchange in three-dimensional breaking waves, supervisor Dr Samuel Draycott, and funding source Split 
Site ASTAR and University of Manchester Select the PhD Mechanical Engineering in the programme detail section.  

Applications missing required documents won’t be considered. If documents are unavailable or for further application question please email, email 
FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk. 

Eligibility  

1. Hold (or expect to achieve) a First Class or 2:1 UK honours degree (or international equivalent to be checked with The University of Manchester admission team). 

2. Ideally hold a master’s-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent to be checked with The University of Manchester admission team). 

3. Demonstrable excellent communication skills, including in English language, a proficiency in which should be demonstrably indicated by meeting the requirements as indicated on 
the University's English language requirements page and in particular securing a minimum IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and listening, and 5.5 in all other sub-
tests OR securing a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90 with no sub-tests below 20 OR equivalent. Project supervisor teams may recommend a candidate who has excellent English language 
skills but otherwise has not formal certification of such. Please note that a timely demonstrable minimum English language level is a requirement of the UK Home Office for the issue 
of student visas to the UK. For some projects an ATAS certificate may also be required by them. 

4. Demonstrate willingness to travel to two partner institutions to complete the programme. 

5. Demonstrate to reflect the Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Researcher person specification. 

* Educational background matches research project. 

* Potential to form effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including working inclusively and as part of a team. 

* Potential to take the initiative, lead on projects, and be proactive in prioritising a dynamic, agile and diverse workload. 

* Potential to develop understanding of complex problems, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a given scenario, and apply in-depth knowledge to address them. 

* Potential to develop expertise in new areas of the subject. 

* Evidence of an understanding of the proposed area of research, including knowledge of current challenges and opportunities. 

* An interest in continuous personal and professional development. 

* Potential to communicate ideas and conclusions, verbally and in writing, clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences. 

* Preliminary knowledge of research techniques/track record of engaging with research. 

* Commitment to principles of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in teaching, research, or experience. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to The University of Manchester’s success. Diversity strengthens our research community, enhancing creativity, productivity, 
quality, and impact. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, or transgender 
status. 

We also welcome those returning from a career break. Flexible study arrangements (part-time: 50%, 60%, or 80%, depending on the project/funder) may be considered. 

FSE_Singapore, FSE_dualawards, 

Funding Notes
The programme is funded by The University of Manchester and A*STAR and includes:

* Tuition fees

* Monthly stipend (equivalent to UKRI rate)

* Airfare grants

* Settling in allowance (Singapore)

* Medical insurance