PhD Position: AI-Driven Optimization for Smart Water Distribution Systems
Join a Horizon Europe MSCA network to develop explainable AI solutions for resilient, data-driven water infrastructure management.
Best for:Best for candidates with a strong background in applied mathematics, civil engineering, or computer science, eager to apply AI and data science to real-world water infrastructure challenges.
Overview
This fully-funded PhD position is part of the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network i3WaterS, focused on transforming water distribution systems through intelligent, data-driven approaches. The successful candidate will enroll at Newcastle University and work under the supervision of Dr. Manuel Herrera, contributing to a multidisciplinary project that integrates AI, digital twins, and sensor networks to enhance the resilience and efficiency of water systems. The research aims to address critical challenges posed by climate change and urbanization, developing novel algorithms for semi-autonomous decision-making in water networks. The position offers structured training, international mobility, and industrial secondments across Europe, preparing candidates for careers in critical infrastructure innovation.
What you'll do
- Develop and implement a District Information Area (DIA) framework for semi-autonomous decision-making in water distribution networks.
- Integrate sensor and smart meter data to enhance real-time monitoring and analysis of water network health.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design explainable AI models for intelligent decision support systems.
- Contribute to the development of digital twin models for large-scale water infrastructure.
- Participate in international training modules and secondments at partner institutions and water utilities across Europe.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
- Engage with industrial partners to validate and refine solutions in real-world water facilities.
- Develop cross-disciplinary competencies in AI, data science, and water engineering through structured training.
Requirements
Degree required: MSc degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency at a level sufficient for academic and technical communication
Instruction: English
- Strong background in applied mathematics, statistics, or computational methods
- Proficiency in programming (Python, R, or MATLAB) for data analysis and modeling
- Experience with machine learning or AI techniques
- Familiarity with water systems or infrastructure engineering is a plus
- Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment.
- Applicants must be within the first four years of their research careers (full-time equivalent research experience since obtaining a master's degree).
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-09-30 (Europe/London)
Submit a CV, cover letter, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and contact details for two referees via email. Include a research statement outlining your motivation and relevant experience. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research statement
- MSc degree certificate and transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Contact details for two academic referees
Contact
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