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PhD in Railway Circular Economy University of Leeds in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Full funding availableDeadline
Apr 30, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Leeds

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About this position
PhD in Railway Circular Economy at the University of Leeds (School of Civil Engineering).
This PhD project explores sustainable solutions for railway track infrastructure through the principles of a circular economy. The research focuses on the scalable reprocessing of ballast, sleepers, rails, and other track components to convert network waste into high-quality secondary commercial materials.
Possible research directions include: scalable reprocessing for spent railway ballast; structural performance of alternative sleepers made from recycled composite materials; life cycle carbon tracking of reprocessed track components; mechanical characterization and stabilization of secondary materials for rail embankments; automated sorting and quality control systems for track asset waste streams; and durability of recycled railway components under cyclic loading.
Methods may include laboratory testing, finite element modeling, life cycle assessment, microstructural analysis, mechanical testing under cyclic and fatigue loading, and discrete element modeling of ballast behavior.
Suitable backgrounds include Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability Science, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Applied Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering.
This is a non-funded PhD. Applicants should be self-funded or have external sponsorship. International applicants are welcome, and the project is open to all nationalities, including the UK.
Deadline: 30 April 2027. Start date: 1 October 2027.
Apply via the University of Leeds research degree application portal. Select the specified course option, enter the proposed start date, and mention the project title and Professor David Connolly as proposed supervisor. Contact D.Connolly@leeds.ac.uk for project-specific questions or phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk for admissions queries.
Funding details
Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.
How to apply
Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.
More information can be found here
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