PhD Studentship: Earthwork Interventions and Rehabilitation Strategies for Enhanced Resilience to Extreme Climate Events Loughborough University in United Kingdom

[Fully funded studentship for three years, providing a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum plus university tuition fees. For part-time students, the stipend is paid pro rata across six years. Funding is subject to final university approval.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at Loughborough University focuses on developing and evaluating earthwork interventions and rehabilitation strategies to enhance the resilience of infrastructure slopes to extreme climate events. The project is part of the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s PhD Cluster – RAINDROP (Resilient eArthwork INfrastructure: Diagnosis, RehabilitatiOn & Prognosis), offering the opportunity to join a cohort of doctoral researchers working on interconnected, interdisciplinary projects aimed at sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The research will investigate the impact of various intervention types—including structural measures, modified materials, vegetation, drainage, and cover/barriers—on the hydromechanical behaviour and properties of earthworks. The focus is on understanding and mitigating the vulnerability of critical infrastructure slopes (such as cuttings and embankments) to climate and weather extremes, including floods, droughts, and cyclical wet-dry conditions. The project will also explore the development of novel interventions to reduce vulnerability and enhance recovery, evaluating their effectiveness in improving resilience. Additional aspects may include assessing the carbon and cost-effectiveness of interventions and optimizing strategies for their deployment.

The studentship provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum for three years, plus full university tuition fees. For part-time students, the stipend is paid pro rata over six years. Funding is subject to final university approval. Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a first-class or high 2:1 degree in a relevant Engineering or Physical Science discipline. A relevant master’s degree and/or employment experience is advantageous. English language requirements must be met as per university guidelines.

To apply, candidates must submit an online application including a completed studentship application form (instead of a personal statement), a two-page research proposal based on the project description, and an up-to-date CV. Under programme name, select 'Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering' and quote reference ABCE-RAINDROP-HL. Ensure all required supporting documents are included to avoid delays in processing.

For further information or questions, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the primary supervisor, Dr Haitao Lan. The application deadline is 1 February 2027.