University of Leeds
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PhD in Novel Geosynthetics for Smart Civil Infrastructure Monitoring University of Leeds in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Non-funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self-funded or to secure external funding. Arrival costs such as visa, Immigration Health Surcharge, and flights must be met by the applicant unless covered by another funding source.
Deadline
Apr 30, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Leeds

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About this position
PhD in Novel Geosynthetics at the University of Leeds (School of Civil Engineering).
This PhD focuses on geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, and smart materials for infrastructure monitoring. The project explores novel geosynthetics that integrate fiber optic sensors, conductive polymers, and microelectronic components into geotextiles, geogrids, and geomembranes to monitor strain, pore water pressure, temperature, and chemical changes in soil in real time.
Research themes include structural health monitoring of slopes, embankments, retaining structures, foundations, and landfill liners; IoT-based data transmission from buried sensors; digital twins for geotechnical assets; finite element modelling; laboratory testing; field monitoring; and machine learning for anomaly detection.
Supervisor: Professor David Connolly. The project is flexible and can be adapted to the applicant’s engineering background and interests.
Funding: This is a non-funded PhD. Applicants should be self-funded or have external sponsorship/funding in place.
Eligibility: Open to international applicants. Typical entry requirement is a first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline; some cases may require a Masters degree. English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
Deadline: 30 April 2027. Start date: 1 October 2027.
How to apply: Submit a formal research degree application through the University of Leeds website. Select the 2027/28 admission year and PHP Civil Engineering Full Time, and state the project title plus Professor David Connolly as proposed supervisor. Include funding details, transcripts, personal statement, and CV.
Funding details
Non-funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self-funded or to secure external funding. Arrival costs such as visa, Immigration Health Surcharge, and flights must be met by the applicant unless covered by another funding source.
What's required
Applicants should normally hold at least a first-class or upper second-class British Bachelors Honours degree, or equivalent, in an appropriate discipline; some research degrees may require a Masters degree. Suitable backgrounds include Civil Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering, Materials Science or Polymer Engineering, Electronic Engineering or Sensor Technology, Computer Science or Data Analytics, and Applied Physics or Engineering Geology. English language requirement is IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component or equivalent, dated within two years of the start date. Applicants should have identified a planned funder if not self-funding and should contact the school/supervisor if unsure about eligibility.
How to apply
Apply through the University of Leeds research degree application portal. Select Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate, admission year 2027/28, and planned course PHP Civil Engineering Full Time. State the project title and Professor David Connolly as proposed supervisor, and include funding details plus transcripts, personal statement, and CV.
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