This PhD opportunity at Loughborough University focuses on developing advanced sensing and AI-driven diagnostic techniques for the assessment and detection of deterioration in earthwork slopes, which are critical for transport infrastructure and flood defence. The project is part of the Vice Chancellor’s PhD Cluster – RAINDROP (Resilient eArthwork INfrastructure: Diagnosis, RehabilitatiOn & Prognosis), a prestigious interdisciplinary initiative aimed at enhancing the resilience of infrastructure slopes against climate change and extreme weather events.

Current methods for earthworks assessment rely heavily on visual inspection, which often fails to detect subsurface deterioration, leading to unexpected failures. This research aims to revolutionize asset condition appraisal by integrating state-of-the-art sensors, monitoring technologies, and AI analytics. The goal is to enable timely identification of deterioration processes and provide robust assessment of their evolution and extent, ultimately answering the critical question: ‘how close to failure is the asset?’

The successful candidate will join a cohort of doctoral researchers working on interconnected projects within the RAINDROP cluster, fostering collaboration and interdisciplinary learning. The project will involve the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data fusion, geotechnical engineering, geophysics, hydrogeology, and surveying to develop innovative solutions for sustainable infrastructure management.

Supervision will be provided by Prof. Craig Hancock (primary supervisor), Dr. Hui Fang, and Dr. Alister Smith, offering expertise across civil engineering, computer science, and geotechnical domains. The studentship includes a generous tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum for three years, plus full university tuition fees. No bench fees are required, and both UK and international applicants are eligible to apply.

Applicants should hold a first-class or high 2:1 degree in a relevant Engineering or Physical Science discipline. A master’s degree and/or relevant employment experience is advantageous. Candidates must also meet the university’s minimum English language requirements. The application process requires submission of a completed studentship application form, a two-page research proposal outlining your approach to the project, and an up-to-date CV. Please select 'Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering' as the programme name and quote reference RAINDROP-CH. Only complete applications with all supporting documents will be considered for interview.

The closing date for applications is 4 January 2026, with start dates available in April or July 2026. For further information, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Prof. Craig Hancock at [email protected] or visit the RAINDROP cluster website. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in infrastructure resilience and diagnostics, supported by a leading UK university.