Apply for fully funded PhD positions in 2026 at GFZ Potsdam, UNBC, RWTH Aachen, York University, and UMaine. Research in Geosciences, Engineering, AI, and Health.
Global PhD and Research Opportunities for 2026
The pursuit of a doctoral degree is a significant milestone for researchers aiming to contribute to global knowledge and solve complex societal challenges. For the 2026 academic cycle, several prestigious institutions across Germany, Canada, and the United States have announced fully funded PhD positions. these opportunities span diverse fields including hydrogeology, civil engineering, aerospace dynamics, kinesiology, and computational geosciences.
1. PhD in Surface-Groundwater Interactions at GFZ Potsdam, Germany
The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) Helmholtz Centre Potsdam is offering a funded PhD position within the SOLVE project. This role is ideal for candidates passionate about hydrogeology and sustainable water resource management.
Research Framework and Scope
The research focuses on the hydrogeological connectivity within the Elbe River basin. As climate change shifts precipitation patterns, understanding how surface water and groundwater interact is critical for ensuring groundwater resilience. The candidate will utilize coupled hydrological-groundwater modelling combined with advanced machine learning techniques to quantify recharge rates and evaluate future change scenarios.
Position Details and Benefits
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Start Date: 1st February 2026
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Contract: 36 months (75% part-time)
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Location: Potsdam, Germany
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Salary: Based on the German public service terms (TVöD)
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Work Environment: Access to state-of-the-art tools and a dynamic international team
Ideal Candidate Profile
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Physics, Mathematics, or Geosciences. Proficiency in 3D groundwater modelling and programming is highly preferred. Strong communication skills in English are mandatory for disseminating research in peer-reviewed journals.
Application Link: Apply at GFZ Potsdam
Deadline: January 11, 2026
2. PhD Students in Sustainable Built Environment at UNBC, Canada
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is seeking two PhD candidates to join a research lab focused on the future of construction and civil engineering.
Integrated Research Fields
The selected students will engage in research involving:
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Sustainable built environments and circular economy
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Life cycle thinking and assessment
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Decision-making processes in construction
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Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Application Requirements
Prospective students must first review the PhD in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (NRES) program requirements. Candidates should possess a strong background in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should email Dr. Mohammad Kamali (mohammad.kamali@unbc.ca) with an updated CV, past manuscripts, and a one-page cover letter. A brief research proposal is also encouraged.
Program Info: UNBC NRES PhD Requirements
Internal Deadline: January 7, 2026
Official Intake Deadline: January 15, 2026
3. Aerosystems Dynamics PhD at the University of Maine, USA
The Aerosystems Dynamics Lab (ADL) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine is recruiting for a PhD position starting in Fall 2026.
Research Areas
The primary focus is unconventional aircraft design. This includes:
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Aerodynamic modelling
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Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
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Flight testing of experimental designs
Funding and Fellowships
The position is supported through a combined Research and Teaching Assistantship (RA/TA). Additionally, a specific $5,000 fellowship is available for outstanding US-based students. As an R1 research university, the University of Maine provides a high-intensity research environment with significant resources for aerospace innovation.
Location: Orono, Maine, USA
Inquiries: Candidates should contact the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine for the full advertisement details.
4. MSc and PhD in Brain Health and Diversity at York University, Canada
York University’s School of Kinesiology & Health Science is recruiting thesis-based graduate students for the Fall 2026 semester.
Lab Mission and Research Focus
The lab investigates how lifestyle choices influence brain health, with a specific lens on sex-specific differences. A unique aspect of this program is its focus on ethnically and racially diverse populations. Research shows that dementia and cognitive decline often manifest differently across groups; for instance, African Americans are approximately 2 times more likely and Hispanics 1.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than older Whites. This lab uses neuroimaging and biostatistics to create more equitable and precise approaches to healthy brain aging.
Opportunities for Trainees
Trainees will benefit from a new partnership with a world-renowned research hospital, allowing for clinically anchored research. The lab is looking for students who are intellectually curious and motivated by data-driven impact.
Contact: Dr. Nintzan (bnintzan@yorku.ca)
Start Date: September 2026
5. PhD in Computational Geoscience and AI at RWTH Aachen University, Germany
The Chair of Computational Geoscience, Geothermics and Reservoir Geophysics (CG3) at RWTH Aachen University has an open Doctoral Candidate position for the “Chatbot for Programming in the Geosciences” project.
The STiL Project Focus
The candidate will develop an AI-driven chatbot designed to assist in programming exercises within Jupyter Notebooks. The research intersects geosciences, AI, and education. Key tasks include integrating machine learning for quantitative methods and evaluating the learning effectiveness of AI-supported workflows like GemPy.
Position Structure
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Duration: 3 years
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Start Date: February 1, 2026
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Pay Scale: TV-L EG 13 (75% position)
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Qualifications: Master’s in Applied Geosciences, Data Science, or Computer Science. Python skills are essential.
Application Process
Applications must include a specific questionnaire and be sent to the university’s job portal.
Detailed Info: RWTH Aachen Position Details
Application Questionnaire: Required Form
Email: job@cg3.rwth-aachen.de
Deadline: 15 January 2026
Navigating the PhD Application Landscape in 2026
Applying for a PhD requires more than just high grades; it requires a strategic alignment with the lab’s vision. Whether you are aiming for the technical depths of RWTH Aachen or the sustainable goals of UNBC, ensure your cover letter speaks directly to the ongoing projects mentioned above.
Why Choose Germany?
Germany offers a robust research infrastructure through centers like GFZ and universities like RWTH Aachen. The TV-L and TVöD pay scales provide a stable living wage for doctoral candidates, and there are typically no tuition fees at public universities.
Why Choose Canada?
Canada is a leader in diversity-focused health research and sustainable engineering. Institutions like York University and UNBC offer inclusive environments and strong ties to clinical and industrial partners.
Why Choose the USA?
The US provides an R1 research environment that is highly competitive and well-funded. The University of Maine’s focus on unconventional aircraft design is a prime example of the specialized technical training available.
