Fully Funded PhD Position in Structural and Ocean Engineering – Fluid-Structure-Soil Interaction, Multi-Hazard & Resilience Modeling University of Rhode Island in United States

Dr. Mehrshad Amini’s research group at the University of Rhode Island (URI) is offering a fully funded Ph.D. position in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering or the Department of Ocean Engineering. The research focuses on structural engineering, fluid-structure-soil interaction modeling, multi-hazard analysis, and resilience modeling. The group is particularly interested in candidates with experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element (FE) modeling, and programming in MATLAB, Python, or C/C++. Research topics include risk and resilience assessment, coastal fluid-structure interactions, performance-based design, and reliability analysis, with the goal of developing effective mitigation strategies and enhancing community resilience to natural hazards.

The successful applicant will join a vibrant research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering and the new Ocean Engineering complex at the Narragansett Bay Campus. The University of Rhode Island is a comprehensive doctoral research institution with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and research-driven instruction. The position is fully funded, covering tuition and providing a stipend for the duration of the Ph.D. program.

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in civil engineering, ocean/marine engineering, or a related field. Required skills include familiarity with CFD analysis (e.g., OpenFOAM), FE modeling (e.g., OpenSees), statistics, probability theory, numerical methods, and programming. Excellent technical writing and communication skills are essential. Candidates must meet the Ph.D. admission requirements of URI.

To apply, interested candidates should contact Dr. Amini at [email protected] with the subject line “URI Graduate Application,” including a brief overview of their research background, CV, unofficial transcript, and one selected publication if applicable. Selected applicants will be invited to apply directly through the URI graduate admissions portal. The appointment is expected to start no later than Fall 2026, with a priority deadline of December 28, 2025.

For more information, visit the URI Graduate Admission website and Dr. Amini’s academic page.