Funding

Funded (UK students only)

Project code

SCES9260824

Department

School of Civil Engineering and Surveying

Start dates

October 2024

Application deadline

5 August 2024

Applications are invited for a fully-funded three-year PhD to commence in October 2024. 

The PhD will be based in the Faculty of Technology, and will be supervised by Dr Reyhaneh Shojaei and Dr Sepehr Abrishami.


Successful applicants will receive a bursary to cover tuition fees for three years and a yearly stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£19,237 per annum for 2024/25). 

The work on this project could involve:

  • Collaborating with experts across multiple fields to tackle real-world challenges
  • Working with state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies
  • Contributing to research that influences policy and industry standards.

We are delighted to offer an exceptional opportunity for a motivated PhD candidate to join our innovative project at the University of Portsmouth's School of Civil Engineering and Surveying. This ground-breaking initiative focuses on advancing the UK's transition to net zero by 2050, with a particular emphasis on the built environment.

This project leverages systems thinking and cutting-edge digital technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modelling) and MMC (Modern Methods of Construction) to develop sustainable solutions that harmonise environmental sustainability with social equity. As a PhD candidate, you will engage in interdisciplinary research addressing critical barriers to achieving net zero, including sectoral integration, stakeholder engagement, and the deployment of digital innovations. Our aim is to produce impactful outcomes that influence policy, set industry standards, and promote sustainable urban planning.

Entry requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. 

If English is not your first language an English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

 

We are seeking candidates with a background in either the built environment (e.g. urban planning) or computer science. Experience in quantitative social science research, mixed-methods research, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data is desirable. Moreover, a strong willingness to expand knowledge in these areas is highly valued.

 

 

How to apply

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Reyhaneh Shojaei (Reyhaneh.Shojaei@port.ac.uk) or Dr Sepehr Abrishaami(Sepehr.abrishami@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, you can use our online application form. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV.  Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.

If you want to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code SCES9260824 when applying. Please note that email applications are not accepted.