Developing Resilience Strategies for Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Networks: Dynamic Mobile Charge Station Deployment Planning Using Spatial Optimisation Loughborough University in United Kingdom

This PhD project at Loughborough University focuses on developing resilience strategies for electric vehicle chargepoint networks, which are increasingly vital to modern infrastructure. The research addresses the vulnerability of these networks to severe multi-hazard weather events, aiming to ensure their resilience against climate change impacts. The project will involve the creation of geo-spatial models to measure network vulnerability and to design proactive resilience plans, including dynamic deployment of mobile charge stations using spatial optimisation techniques.

Supervised by Dr Craig Morton and Dr Yasir Ali in the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, the project is part of the Informatics for Multi-hazard Risk and Resilience (i-Risk) NERC Doctoral Focal Awards. The research will combine data science, electrical engineering, and environmental science to address real-world challenges in disaster risk reduction and energy technologies.

The studentship is funded by UKRI through the i-Risk Doctoral Focal Award, offering a 3.5-year tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Outstanding international candidates may receive a full international fee waiver, though only 30% of studentships can be awarded to international applicants due to funding rules. No bench fees are required.

Applicants must hold, or expect to soon obtain, a very good undergraduate or Master’s degree (at least UK 2:1 honours or equivalent) in a relevant subject. EU and international applicants must achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency. All candidates must meet minimum English language requirements. The application process includes submitting a two-page personal statement (covering research interests and responses to specific questions), a CV, academic transcripts and certificates, and an IELTS/TOEFL certificate if applicable. Interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams in late June 2026.

Applications should be submitted online, selecting ‘Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering’ as the programme and quoting reference IRISK-26-LU-01. Prospective students are encouraged to contact supervisors for project-specific queries. The closing date for applications is 9 June 2026, with the project starting in October 2026. Both UK and international candidates are eligible to apply.