Summary
PhD Opportunity in Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure Systems Design and Analysis
Lead supervisor: Dr. Michel-Alexandre Cardin
Enquiries: +44 (0)20 7594 1893 Email: m.cardin@imperial.ac.uk
Overview
I am always looking for excellent candidates to pursue PhD studies in my research group, focusing on the theme of Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure Systems Design and Analysis at the Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London.
The research in my group currently focuses on developing new data-driven methodologies to analyze the design of complex infrastructure systems operating under uncertainty, and leveraging the concept of flexibility (also known as real options) as a way to enable better sustainability, resilience, and economic performance.
The research is motivated by the need for more sustainable, resilient and adaptable infrastructure systems in the future in the UK and around the world, considering ongoing and future threats from climate change, cyber and physical terrorism, and pandemics, as well as uncertainty in upcoming technology, markets, and regulations. The goal is to develop new design decision-making tools that are inspired by and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Pursuing a PhD in my research group will enable a highly talented and motivated individual to develop and deepen research skills in areas such as Data Analytics, Engineering Design, Finance, Machine Learning, Optimization, Real Options Analysis, Systems Engineering, Uncertainty and Risk Analysis, and/or Virtual/Augmented Reality.
Systems of interest are primarily in the areas of Energy (e.g. smart grids, power generation systems), Transportation (e.g. on-demand mobility, future electrification of airports), Water Management (e.g. dam design), and Space Exploration (e.g. human settlements on the Moon/Mars space mining).
Candidates with a strong connection with industry who can leverage this relationship for their doctoral studies are particularly welcome.
Application Process
If interested, please email the following information to m.cardin@imperial.ac.uk:
- Cover letter (1 page): please explain why you are interested in the position, what skills and expertise make you a highly competitive candidate, why you want to pursue a PhD, and a short proposal on how you would tackle the above challenges
- Resume (2 pages): include all grades for your undergraduate and graduate studies (if any), evidence of impact (e.g. awards, competitive funding, publications). Note that only applicants from top universities in a relevant engineering, design, or scientific discipline will be considered, with a minimum of 2:1 or First Class (or equivalent GPA for other applicants). For more details see the School's entrance requirements
Expected start date
On a rolling basis, applications submitted now will be considered for a start as early as possible
There is no submission deadline, opportunities remain open until filled
Funding Opportunities
You may want to consider the question of how to fund your PhD studies as you go through the application process, for instance through government grants, industry sponsorships, self-funding studies, or others.
I cannot guarantee a fully funded position, although many opportunities exist on an ongoing basis.
If you are an outstanding candidate, you may want to consider these prestigious opportunities for fully funded PhD studentship (UK citizenship rules may apply):
The President’s Scholarships is a very competitive programme. In general, a successful candidate must show:
- Evidence of ranking highly in their class, e.g. top 10%
- Recognition of academic achievement e.g. Dean’s list, 1st in class, prizes for academic achievement
- Evidence of research experience through examples of relevant research projects and placements in academic groups or industry
- Examples of academic impact, e.g. international conference attendance, paper publications, competitive funding awards, and clear evidence of how the applicant’s research is significant in the field
- Strong reference letters with consistent and convincing statements as to the candidate’s academic ability and research potential