6 Fully Funded PhD & Research Positions: Civil Engineering, AI, Green Chemistry and Environmental Science

6 Prestigious fully funded PhD and Research Assistant positions for 2026 in Ireland, France, Netherlands, Finland, Sri Lanka, and Portugal. Opportunities include Civil Engineering, AI for Green Chemistry, Soil Science, and Transportation Engineering. Apply by the respective deadlines to secure your academic future.

Global PhD and Research Opportunities: Fully Funded Positions in Engineering, AI and Sustainability

The pursuit of a doctoral degree is a transformative journey that blends rigorous academic inquiry with real-world problem-solving. In 2026, several world-class institutions are opening their doors to motivated researchers through fully funded PhD positions and research assistantships. These roles are designed to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from infrastructure resilience and green energy to sustainable agriculture and smart transportation.

Six high-impact research opportunities currently open for applications. Whether you are an engineer, a data scientist, or an environmental biologist, these positions offer competitive stipends, international collaboration, and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge scientific advancements.

1. PhD Researcher in Civil Engineering – University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland

The Structural Dynamics and Assessment Laboratory (SDA-Lab) at University College Dublin is seeking a dedicated PhD candidate to work on the future of bridge monitoring and infrastructure resilience.

Project Focus: Drive-by Bridge Monitoring

Traditional bridge inspection methods are often costly and labor-intensive. This research focuses on “drive-by” monitoring systems, utilizing sensors on moving vehicles to assess the health of bridge structures. This innovative approach aims to create more resilient and safer infrastructure networks globally.

Funding and Benefits

• Annual Stipend: €25,000.

• Tuition Fees: Fully covered.

• Duration: 4 years.

• Travel: Opportunities for research visits to the UK (University of Sheffield, Queen’s University Belfast) and Italy (European Commission Joint Research Centre).

Requirements and Application

• Deadline: 30th January 2026.

• Start Date: May 2026.

• Application Method: Must apply via the official Google Form provided by the university. CVs sent via email will not be prioritized over the form.

2. AI & Statistical Learning for Green Chemistry – ULCO, France

The LMPA laboratory at the Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale (ULCO) is offering a 36-month PhD project that sits at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Energy.

The Challenge: CO₂-to-Methanol Conversion

The research seeks to move away from slow “trial-and-error” catalyst development by creating a “Digital Twin” powered by AI. This digital model will predict catalyst activity, selectivity, and stability, accelerating the transition to low-carbon energy.

Technical Responsibilities

• Developing Deep Learning and Generative Models.

• Utilizing Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) and Gaussian Processes.

• Integrating experimental and industrial data into dynamic simulations.

Candidate Profile

• Education: Master 2 in Applied Mathematics, AI, or a related field.

• Skills: Proficiency in Python (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn).

• Deadline: March 30, 2026.

3. PhD in Environmental Engineering – University of Porto (FEUP), Portugal

This opportunity is ideal for researchers who value industry-academic collaboration and wish to work on applied, real-world environmental challenges.

What is Offered

• Integration into an active, international research group.

• Projects focused on innovation and impactful environmental solutions.

• Strong ties to industrial partners for practical implementation.

Eligibility

Candidates with a background in Chemistry, Engineering, or Environmental Sciences are encouraged to apply. International candidates must ensure their academic certificates are recognized by a Portuguese university to qualify.

4. PhD in Soil Sciences & Plant-Microbiome Interactions – Leiden University, Netherlands

Leiden University is inviting applications for a PhD candidate to join the REAP2SOW consortium. This role is pivotal for the “protein transition”—moving toward more sustainable, biodiversity-positive cropping systems.

Research Goals

• Investigating how crops like quinoa, white lupin, and aardaker interact with soil microbiomes.

• Evaluating the climate resilience provided by microbes to these novel crops.

• Conducting field-work, greenhouse experiments, and meta-analyses.

Remuneration and Environment

• Salary: €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month.

• Benefits: 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and flexible hybrid working options.

• Location: The Institute of Environmental Science (CML), a world-class facility in the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park.

• Deadline: 31st January 2026.

5. Research Assistant: Biochar Permanence Project – Sri Lanka

The Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre (ERRC) at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura is hiring a Research Assistant for a 12-month funded project.

Project Scope

The research focuses on biochar permanence and its role in environmental resilience. This is a critical area for carbon sequestration and soil health improvement.

Requirements

• BSc (Special/Honours) in Chemistry or Environmental Science.

• Preferred skills in Mathematics, Statistics, and coding (R or Python).

• Deadline: 30th January 2026.

6. PhD in Transportation Engineering – Aalto University, Finland

Aalto University’s Spatial Planning and Transportation (SPT) research group is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to focus on sustainable mobility systems.

Research Themes

The successful candidate will work on:

• Multimodal transport simulation and traffic modeling.

• Travel behavior and choice modeling.

• Machine learning applications for mobility prediction.

• Policy evaluation for safety and efficiency.

Terms of Employment

• Duration: 4 years (fully funded).

• Starting Salary: Approximately 2,900 €/month (gross), with periodic increases.

• Deadline: 13 February 2026.

Shaping the Future of Research

These six positions represent the pinnacle of academic and professional development in their respective fields. By securing a fully funded PhD or Research Assistant position, you gain not only financial stability but also the mentorship and resources required to become a leader in global innovation. Ensure you review the specific documentation requirements for each university—such as transcripts, motivation letters, and referee contacts—well before the deadlines.