Fully funded PhD positions for 2026 at top universities including Groningen, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State, and Toronto Metropolitan. Discover research opportunities in AI, Soil Science, Remote Sensing, and Smart Buildings.
The academic landscape for 2026 is opening with prestigious, fully funded opportunities for researchers ready to tackle global challenges in sustainability, artificial intelligence, and environmental science. From the innovative labs of the Netherlands to the high-tech research centers in North America, these positions offer not only financial security but a platform for high-impact discovery. Five major research opportunities, including eligibility, funding details, and application strategies.
1. Materials Science and Engineering Positions – University of Groningen (Netherlands)
The University of Groningen stands as a beacon of research excellence in Europe. Their current call for PhD and Postdoctoral candidates focuses on the interdisciplinary intersection of materials science and dynamics.
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Program: PhD and Postdoctoral Positions (Materials Science/Advanced Materials)
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Direct Link: University of Groningen Job Opportunities Portal
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Instructions: Filter by “PhD” or “Postdoctoral” in the vacancy type. Specific projects like the Advanced Materials/Wave Dynamics roles are listed individually under the Science and Engineering faculty.
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
The university is seeking individuals with a Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. The ideal researcher is someone inspired by “Wave Dynamics” and advanced chemical characterization.
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Team Synergy: A strong emphasis is placed on “team players” who can communicate complex data to non-specialists.
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Legal Requirements: For PhD roles, you must not already hold a doctoral degree and must meet the Dutch equivalence for a Master’s degree.
Compensation and Benefits
Working in the Netherlands offers some of the best employment conditions globally:
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Salary: Gross monthly salary ranges from €3,059 to €3,881.
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Holiday Allowances: Includes an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
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Work-Life Balance: 232 vacation hours per year based on a 38-hour week, with flexible options to work 36 or 40 hours.
2. PhD in Soil Science – Virginia Tech (USA)
The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech is recruiting for a Summer/Fall 2026 start. This position is ideal for those passionate about regenerative agriculture and soil health.
Research Focus
The successful candidate will join Dr. Vijay Chaganti’s team to explore:
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Organic Amendments: Evaluating the impact of biochar, compost, and biosolids on soil health.
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Environmental Resilience: Studying nutrient cycling, GHG emissions, and emerging contaminants.
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Agroecosystems: Developing management strategies to protect crops against changing environmental conditions.
How to Apply
Interested students should email their CV, unofficial transcripts, and a statement of research interests to vjchaganti@vt.edu. Review is ongoing, so early submission is vital.
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Program: PhD in Soil Science (Soil Health & Biochar Research)
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Direct Submission: This position is recruited directly by the Principal Investigator.
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Email: vjchaganti@vt.edu
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Link to Department: Virginia Tech SPES Graduate Programs
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Instructions: Email your CV, unofficial transcripts, and a statement of research interests directly to Dr. Vijay Chaganti.
3. NASA-Funded Remote Sensing Research – Oklahoma State University
The HI-GRASS Project (Holistic Investigation of Grassland Systems across Scales) offers a unique PhD assistantship focusing on hyperspectral remote sensing and biodiversity.
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Program: PhD Assistantship (NASA HI-GRASS Project)
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Direct Link: Hamed Gholizadeh Lab – Join Us
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Email for Inquiry: h.gholizadeh1@gmail.com
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Deadline: Apply by January 15th, 2026, for full consideration.
Technical Qualifications
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Hyperspectral Expertise: Experience with UAS (drones), airborne, and spaceborne imaging.
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Coding Proficiency: Mastery of Python, R, or MATLAB is considered the core of the role.
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Fieldwork: Candidates must be comfortable with remote fieldwork and statistical methods.
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Deadline: For full consideration for the May 2026 start, apply by January 15th, 2026.
4. AI in Civil Engineering – Mississippi State University (MSU)
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing infrastructure. Mississippi State University is seeking a motivated PhD student to bridge the gap between traditional Civil Engineering and Machine Learning.
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Program: AI Applications in Civil Engineering
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Direct Submission: Applicants must first contact the supervising professor.
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Email: padmaja@msu.edu
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Official Portal: MSU Graduate School Admissions
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Instructions: After initial email contact, you will be directed to submit a formal application via the MSU portal.
Candidate Requirements
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Core Strength: A solid background in Civil Engineering.
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Tech Stack: Proficiency in programming and AI/ML techniques.
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Inquiry: Direct your CV to padmaja@msu.edu to express interest in solving real-world structural and urban problems.
5. Smart Building Systems & Digital Twins – Toronto Metropolitan University
The DECODER Project, led by Professor Jenn McArthur, is hiring for two specific Work Packages (WP) for 2026. This is a premier opportunity for Canadian residents and citizens interested in decarbonization.
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Program: DECODER Project (Smart Building Systems/BIM/Digital Twins)
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Direct Link: DECODER Project PDF Full Description
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Application Email: decoder@torontomu.ca
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Instructions: You must merge all documents (LOI, CV, Transcripts) into a single PDF. Use the subject line:
DECODER-WP#-P#(e.g.,DECODER-WP4-P15).
Open Positions
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WP1 P2 – Information Structures: Focuses on openBIM (IFC), openGIS, and data exchange standards for AEC stakeholders.
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WP4 P15 – Digital Twins: Focuses on automated geospatial data capture, AI-driven attribute inference, and portfolio-level energy simulations.
Submission Checklist
Applications must be sent as a single PDF to decoder@torontomu.ca including:
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A Letter of Intent (specifically stating if you are applying for WP1 or WP4).
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Academic CV and Unofficial Transcripts.
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Contact information for two referees.
