Chengkai Fan

Université Laval’s Intelligent Mining Operations & Monitoring Laboratory (IMOM Lab) is recruiting a funded PhD student for research on intelligent mine transport systems and data-driven modeling . The project focuses on developing analytical, computational, and AI-based approaches to better understand and improve mine haulage operations, with relevance to conventional manned systems, emerging unmanned operations, low-carbon transport, and sustainable mining. Research directions may include mine truck haulage performance evaluation, prediction and optimization; lower-CO2-emission strategies and clean technologies for mine transport systems; methods supporting the transition from conventional manned haulage to emerging unmanned operations; and collaboration with faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and external research or industry partners. The position is supervised by Dr. Chengkai Fan and Dr. Simon Dumais . The expected start date is Fall 2026 or Winter 2027 . Funding is strong: the student will receive full scholarship support for up to four years , covering tuition and living expenses . Additional support may be available for Teaching Assistant roles and for internal/external scholarships and awards. Eligibility highlights include a Master’s degree in Mining Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a closely related field; a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent; strong academic background and research interest; IELTS 6.5 or equivalent English proficiency; and experience with Python, R, MATLAB, or similar data-analysis/programming tools. Physics-informed machine learning experience is an asset. To apply, submit a single PDF with a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and supporting materials by May 31, 2026 .

IMOM Lab at Université Laval is recruiting a funded PhD student for research on intelligent mine transport systems and data-driven modeling . The project focuses on developing analytical, computational, and AI-based approaches to better understand and improve mine haulage operations. Research themes include conventional manned systems, emerging unmanned operations, low-carbon transport, and sustainable mining. The student will be supervised by Dr. Chengkai Fan and Dr. Simon Dumais . The position is expected to start in Fall 2026 or Winter 2027 . Funding: Full scholarship support is available for up to four years, covering tuition and living expenses. Eligibility/fit: Applicants should be interested in mining engineering, AI, computational modeling, and operations-focused research. The post does not list detailed GPA or language requirements. Application deadline: May 31, 2026 . How to apply: Submit a single PDF including a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and supporting materials to [email protected] . Use the subject line: PhD Student Application_First Name_Last Name . More information about the lab is available at imomlab.ca .