Fully-funded PhD studentships and Postdoctoral fellowships for 2026. Opportunities at University of Sheffield, University of Calgary, NUS, Université Côte d’Azur and Aalto University. Apply now for research roles in water management, 3D printing and hydrological modelling.
Global Research Vacancies in Engineering and Environmental Sciences: 2026 Intake
The landscape of civil and environmental engineering is evolving rapidly, driven by the dual pressures of climate change and technological innovation. For researchers looking to make a tangible impact, several world-leading institutions have announced funded opportunities for the 2026 academic year. These roles span the intersection of circular economy, digital twin technology, advanced manufacturing, and large-scale hydrological modelling.
1. University of Sheffield (UK): PhD in Circular Economy & Water Infrastructure
The University of Sheffield, through the WIRe (Water Infrastructure and Resilience) CDT, is recruiting for a groundbreaking PhD project that challenges traditional waste management paradigms. This project focuses on the “Food Waste to Sewer” pathway, a critical yet under-studied area of urban resilience.
Project Focus: Food Waste to Sewer
Supervised by experts Andy Nichols, Henriette Jensen, and S.C. Lenny Koh, this project is conducted in collaboration with InSinkErator UK (Whirlpool Corporation). The research aims to evaluate how disposing of food waste through sewer systems impacts water treatment resilience and its potential for biogas generation.
Key Research Areas
-
Infrastructure Resilience: Analyzing the stress on existing sewer systems.
-
Biogas & Carbon Reduction: Quantifying the potential for energy recovery.
-
Policy Development: Creating evidence-based frameworks for international waste management.
Application Deadline: 28 February 2026 (00:00 GMT)
Eligibility: Open to candidates with backgrounds in science or engineering.
Link: https://cdtwire.com/phd-opportunities/
2. University of Calgary (Canada): Postdoctoral Research Associates in Hydrology
The Department of Civil Engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering is seeking two Postdoctoral Scholars to join a high-impact computational hydrology team. Under the leadership of Dr. Martyn Clark and Dr. Alain Pietroniro, successful candidates will work on large-domain hydrological modelling.
Role Overview
This position is designed for researchers specializing in numerical modelling and large datasets. The team focuses on next-generation prediction models that assist in water resource management at continental scales.
Compensation & Benefits
-
Salary: $65,000 CAD per annum.
-
Benefits: University of Calgary Plan C health benefits.
-
Duration: 1 year (with extension possibilities).
-
Location: Calgary, Canada (with flexible/remote options).
Technical Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in Fortran and Python, experience with High-Performance Computing (HPC), and a strong track record of collaborative development via GitHub.
Application Deadline: 28 February 2026
Contact: david.barrett@ucalgary.ca
Link: https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/17291338-postdoctoral-research-associate-civil-engineering
3. National University of Singapore (NUS): PhD in 3D Printed Hybrid Structures
The NUS Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering is inviting applications for a PhD position focused on the frontier of construction technology: Metal 3D Printing.
Research Objective
The project, led by Xin Meng, explores geometric and material optimization for hybrid structures. The goal is to produce industry-ready, sustainable structural solutions that reduce the carbon footprint of the construction sector through life-cycle analysis and advanced numerical modelling.
Why Choose NUS?
-
Access to state-of-the-art metal 3D printing facilities.
-
Full PhD scholarship opportunities.
-
Strong industry integration and practical application.
Requirement: Master’s degree in Structural or Civil Engineering.
Expression of Interest Deadline: 15 February 2026
Contact: xin.meng@nus.edu.sg
4. Université Côte d’Azur (France): Excellence Fellowships for Young Researchers
Université Côte d’Azur has launched its 2026 call for “Young Researchers Excellence Grants,” offering 12 prestigious postdoctoral contracts across all disciplines, including engineering and environmental sciences.
Financial Package
-
Salary: €3,525 gross monthly salary.
-
Project Grant: €5,000 management grant.
-
Relocation Support: One month of free rent at the Faculty Club and dedicated assistance via the Welcome Center.
Selection Criteria
The selection process is highly competitive, prioritizing the quality of the applicant’s CV, the originality of the research project, and the suitability of the host laboratory. Successful applicants are expected to eventually apply for permanent faculty positions or ERC grants.
Application Deadline: 6 March 2026
Start Date: By 1 February 2027
5. Aalto University (Finland): Postdoctoral Roles in Water & Digitalization
Aalto University’s Water & Environmental Engineering Research Group (WAT) is hiring three Postdoctoral Researchers as part of the Digital Waters (DIWA) Flagship.
Thematic Areas
-
Watershed Modelling: Creating Digital Twins for watershed management.
-
River System Pipelines: Developing data pipelines for real-time river modelling.
-
Transformative Management: Implementing digital solutions for systemic water policy changes.
Employment Details
-
Salary: Starting at ~€4,050/month.
-
Duration: 1.5 years.
-
Environment: Hybrid work based at the Otaniemi campus in Espoo.
Preferred Skills
Applicants should possess a PhD in a relevant field and a strong command of English. For topics 1 and 2, coding skills are essential. For topic 3, experience with stakeholder engagement and Finnish language skills are highly valued.
Application Deadline: 20 February 2026
Link: https://www.aalto.fi/en/open-positions/postdoctoral-researchers-in-water-and-digitalisation
Shaping the Future of Civil Engineering
These opportunities represent the vanguard of academic research in 2026. Whether your interest lies in the microscopic optimization of 3D printed metals or the macroscopic modelling of continental water systems, these positions offer the funding and facilities necessary to advance your career.
