Apply now for a fully funded PhD position in infrastructure network modeling and optimization at the University of Calgary, starting 2025. Ideal for candidates in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, or Industrial Engineering. International students welcome!
Fully Funded PhD Position: Infrastructure Network Modeling and Optimization at University of Calgary (2025 Intake)
Are you passionate about sustainable infrastructure, systems optimization, and network modeling? The University of Calgary, one of Canada’s top research institutions, is now accepting applications for a fully funded PhD student position starting 2025/2026 within the newly established Urban Systems for People and Planet (US PPlanet) Group, part of the Sustainable Systems Engineering program at the Schulich School of Engineering.
This position offers an exceptional research opportunity to work at the intersection of sustainability, urban infrastructure planning, advanced network modeling, and optimization techniques, contributing to real-world solutions for cities of the future.
Program Overview:
Research Focus: The PhD student will conduct advanced research on infrastructure network modeling and optimization. This includes developing data-driven models and algorithms to optimize critical infrastructure systems such as transportation, energy distribution, water networks, and urban logistics.
The goal is to enhance the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of urban systems under dynamic and uncertain conditions, addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity.
Department: Urban Systems for People and Planet (US PPlanet) Sustainable Systems Engineering Program
Schulich School of Engineering
University of Calgary, Canada
Start Date: 2025/2026 academic year
Candidate Qualifications:
The ideal applicant should have:
- A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or closely related disciplines.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Proven ability to conduct independent research.
- Background knowledge in or willingness to learn advanced network modeling, optimization algorithms, and simulation methods.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, or equivalent.
Additional Assets:
- Prior experience with infrastructure modeling software or optimization libraries.
- Knowledge of sustainability principles and urban systems design.
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, or technical reports.
Application Process:
All interested applicants are invited to submit the following documents directly to Dr. Seiran Heshami at seiran.heshami@ucalgary.ca:
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter (max 1 page)
- A writing sample where you are the first author (e.g., journal article, thesis, technical report, or academic essay)
Why Pursue Your PhD at the University of Calgary?
- Fully Funded Opportunity: Includes tuition coverage, competitive stipends, research support, and travel funds for conferences.
- Global Research Excellence: University of Calgary ranks among the top Canadian institutions for innovation and interdisciplinary research.
- Cutting-Edge Research Facilities: Access state-of-the-art laboratories, data centers, and collaborative research hubs.
- International Student Friendly: Open to both Canadian and international applicants with dedicated support services.
- Career-Ready Skills Development: Gain expertise in high-demand fields such as smart infrastructure, AI-powered optimization, data-driven urban planning, and sustainable systems design.
Research Themes:
This PhD position will contribute to emerging areas including but not limited to:
- Urban Infrastructure Resilience Modeling
- Smart Cities & Sustainable Urban Systems
- Multi-modal Transportation Network Optimization
- Energy Systems Modeling & Smart Grid Optimization
- Water Distribution Network Efficiency
- Climate Adaptation and Urban Risk Analysis
- Simulation of Urban Growth and Development Patterns
Apply Early for the 2025/2026 Intake!
This unique PhD position offers the chance to contribute to transformative urban research while developing expertise in one of the most high-impact areas of sustainable development. With full financial support, access to world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art research facilities, this opportunity at the University of Calgary is ideal for motivated students eager to advance their academic and professional careers.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this cutting-edge research group!
For inquiries and submissions, email your complete application package to seiran.heshami@ucalgary.ca
