Fully Funded PhD Graduate Assistantship in Construction Process Automation and Digital Twins at Virginia Tech Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in United States

A fully funded PhD Graduate Assistant position is available starting Fall 2026 in the Myers-Lawson School of Construction (MLSoC) at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). The selected student will work under the supervision of Dr. Ashit Harode, focusing on research at the intersection of construction process automation, Construction 4.0 adoption, building energy analysis and performance evaluation, digital twins for the built environment, and construction research-to-application with direct industry engagement.

The successful candidate will contribute to research deliverables, peer-reviewed publications, and competitive grant proposals. The research group is particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in civil engineering, construction engineering/management, or closely related fields. Preferred skills include machine learning and applied AI, energy modeling, building performance analysis, Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, digital twin development, and a record of peer-reviewed publications.

Dr. Ashit Harode, joining MLSoC as an Assistant Professor in August 2026, specializes in construction research-to-application, building energy performance, and Construction 4.0 technologies. The Myers-Lawson School of Construction at Virginia Tech is a leader in construction research and education, offering a collaborative environment for interdisciplinary research.

The position is fully funded, covering tuition and providing a graduate assistant stipend. Applicants must have a master's degree in a relevant field and meet the GRE requirement (Quantitative: 155 or above). Application materials include a cover letter, resume/CV, statement of purpose, GRE scores, and two letters of recommendation. The application deadline is December 28, 2025, for Fall 2026 entry.

For more information, visit the program and school websites or contact Dr. Ashit Harode directly at [email protected].