Technion

Technion is an internationally recognised science and engineering university with more than a century of research and education, and strong connections to technology and industry. Based in Haifa on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, the position offers an interdisciplinary research environment, access to wave-flume facilities and field instrumentation, and opportunities to connect fundamental fluid mechanics with practical challenges in renewable energy and water management.

Homepage: https://www.technion.ac.il

Applications are invited for a funded MSc or PhD position investigating how floating photovoltaic (FPV) arrays interact with wind and waves in water reservoirs. The research aims to support safe floating-solar deployment and improve reservoir water-storage capacity.

The project

Floating solar arrays generate renewable electricity without occupying agricultural land and can help reduce evaporation. Their effects on reservoir waves, shoreline run-up and structural loads remain poorly understood, particularly where water levels vary substantially between seasons.

The research combines field measurements at Maabarot Reservoir in Israel, laboratory wave-flume experiments and numerical modelling. Topics include wind-wave generation and attenuation, floating-array motions, mooring loads, and implications for safe reservoir filling levels. Working with reservoir operators and engineering partners, the student will contribute to prediction tools and practical engineering guidance. The scope and balance of experimental and computational work will be tailored to the candidate’s interests and degree level.

Supervision and research environment

The student will be co-supervised by Dan Liberzon and Raphael Stuhlmeier, hosted within the Technion Sea-Air Interaction Laboratory (T-SAIL), and enrolled in the Technion Ocean Engineering Program towards an MSc or PhD.

Candidate profile

We welcome applicants with a strong academic background in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, oceanography or a related discipline. An interest in fluid mechanics and water waves, good quantitative skills and enthusiasm for experimental or computational research are desirable. Experience in scientific programming, data analysis or experimental hydrodynamics would be an advantage. Admission is subject to Technion’s requirements for the relevant degree.

Funding and timing

The position offers a stipend of NIS 8,385 per month, with tuition fees waived, for a duration of four years. The start date is flexible, ideally in early spring 2027.

Send a CV, academic transcripts and a brief statement of research interests and relevant experience to Dr Raphael Stuhlmeier at raphaels@technion.ac.il, using the subject line “MSc/PhD Floating Solar and Reservoir Hydrodynamics”. Please indicate whether you seek MSc or PhD study.

Application deadline: 30 November 2026. Interviews are expected to take place in December 2026.