Fully Funded PhD Positions in Water Systems Intelligence at Virginia Tech (Civil & Environmental Engineering, Big Data, Hydrology, AI, Policy) Virginia Tech in United States

Virginia Tech's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is offering two fully funded PhD positions in Water Systems Intelligence, starting June or August 2026. These positions are designed for high-potential students interested in global water sustainability, working at the intersection of big data, hydrology, artificial intelligence, and policy. The research will contribute to 'Deep Dive' studies in water-scarce regions globally, validating models against local data and co-developing adaptation pathways.

Key research areas include infrastructure and allocation data, where students will develop new models and insights into how humans interact with and shape global water systems using machine learning and novel water/infrastructure data products. Another focus is data-driven water use, identifying socioeconomic, climate, and land-use predictors of water demand and building AI models to fill spatial and temporal data gaps in various sectors.

The PhD experience features strong international collaboration, team dynamics within the Marston Research Group, structured mentorship from a diverse team of senior scientists, fieldwork in global hotspot regions, and opportunities to lead high-impact publications on human-water interactions and sustainability challenges.

Eligibility requires a B.S. or M.S. in Engineering, Environmental Science, Data Science, or related fields, strong quantitative and programming skills (Python/R), proficient English communication, and a passion for interdisciplinary research and global sustainability. Funding is fully provided, including tuition, stipend, and travel support.

Successful candidates will join the Marston Research Group at Virginia Tech, engaging in collaborative research with international partners and contributing to advancements in water systems intelligence. Application details are available via Virginia Tech's graduate admissions portal.