PhD Scholarship Opportunities in Sustainable & Digital Engineering and Project Management

About the Project

The twin transition of sustainability and digitalisation is transforming how engineering and project-based organisations design, deliver, and govern projects. This PhD opportunity invites candidates to explore how corporate responsibility, emerging technologies, and project management innovation can enable more sustainable, resilient, and high-performing projects and engineering organisations.

Indicative research themes include:

• CSR/ESG Governance & Business Model Innovation – embedding sustainability into corporate strategy, organisational studies, and supply chain management; carbon accounting and monitoring; ESG reporting and assurance; project leadership, ethics, and stakeholder engagement; governance frameworks in megaprojects and major programmes.
• Digital Transformation & Industry 4.0 – BIM, digital twins, robotics, blockchain, and advanced analytics for resilient projects; organisational and institutional challenges in technology adoption; digital platforms for project risk, scheduling, and performance optimisation.
• AI & Responsible Innovation – Green AI, sustainability analytics, risk forecasting, and decision support in project and programme management; AI in smart buildings and Construction 4.0; ensuring transparency, responsible adoption, and consideration of social dimensions.
• Sustainability Transitions & Circular Economy – pathways to Net Zero, decarbonisation, and climate adaptation in project-based industries; projects as vehicles for systemic transitions, low-carbon innovation, and long-term societal benefit.
• Smart & Low-Carbon Cities – digital ecosystems, carbon monitoring infrastructures, mobility, and integrated project-based approaches to sustainable urban development; resilience, health, and adaptation in urban and regional projects.
• Emerging Topics in Engineering and Project Management – risk and resilience in crisis projects, global supply chains, infrastructure delivery, project leadership, and ethical responsibilities in a rapidly changing environment.

Other emerging topics are also welcome.

Candidates will join an interdisciplinary environment with access to advanced training in engineering, business, and social sciences through Durham’s Researcher Development Programme.

Environment

Durham University is a World Top 100 institution, named University of the Year 2026 (The Times & The Sunday Times), ranked 3rd in the UK in the Good University Guide 2026, and consistently in the Top 5 across all major UK rankings. The Department of Engineering offers excellent facilities, a vibrant doctoral network, and strong industry and policy links. PhD students have full access to departmental resources and Durham’s Researcher Development Programme, which provides training ranging from academic writing to high-performance computing, travelling funding and allowances.

This project is an excellent opportunity for a candidate interested in applied research within a 3.5-year funded study programme.

Supervisor：

Dr Qian Zhang (Durham University)

Requirements:

Essential

• Master-level qualification in Engineering, Project/Construction Management, Business/Management, Computer/Data Science, or a related field. We do expect a final mark of at least 65%, but previous experience may be considered alongside your master if your final mark is below 65%.
• Excellent communication skills (written and spoken)
• Strong motivation, research ability, and interest in sustainability, digitalisation, and project innovation
• Experience in data analysis

Desirable

• Master by research degree with prior project experience
• Publication record, preferably as lead author in Q1/Q2 journals
• Quantitative analysis (e.g. SEM, advanced statistics, Python/R)
• Experience with machine learning and validation of outputs
• Strong teamwork, time management, and project management skills
• Familiarity with ESG/CSR frameworks, carbon accounting, Industry 4.0/AI applications, or project/megaproject management trends

Applications are also welcomed from self-funded candidates, China Scholarship Council (CSC) applicants, and those applying for other scholarships.

Application process:

Informal enquiries/EOI: Please contact Dr Qian Zhang (qian.zhang2@durham.ac.uk) with CV, transcripts, and (optionally) a writing sample or publications and to develop an appropriate research proposal. Suitable candidates will be invited to interview on a rolling basis.

Formal application: Candidates will be advised on the Durham postgraduate research application system after EOI. Please indicate that your application should be considered by Dr Qian Zhang.: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Funding Notes

Note: This funding opportunity is for UK Home Students only (overseas students are welcome to apply but they would need to cover the difference between home students' fees and overseas fees). If you are unsure if you qualify for home-student status, you can check fee status at: View Website

Funding duration 3.5years (UK Home student)

This project will provide funding for UK Home students only, covering University fees and a stipend (the value of the stipend is same as those provided by UKRI, £20,780 p.a. 2025/26)