PhD Studentship in Future Construction

We are looking for a PhD student to join our team in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. This research will make fundamental advances towards a manufactured approach to construction by developing and integrating advanced offsite manufacturing approaches with site operations and logistics. We are looking for a super bright student or recent graduate with a passion for systems thinking.

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree in an Engineering or related subject.

Our work seeks to develop new approaches to the end-to-end process of construction and to address current inefficiencies in the delivery of infrastructure and buildings. Your work will challenge the status quo. To do this, you will need a strong background (education/experience) in systems thinking and related disciplines. We do not expect successful candidates to have a background in infrastructure or construction, but we do expect you to demonstrate curiosity and interest in the built environment.

The scope of the work is flexible and there will be opportunities to work with any of the research themes below. The successful candidate will join the Laing O'Rourke Centre for Construction Engineering and Technology, University of Cambridge and will work in a vibrant multidisciplinary team.

Research themes include:

• Advanced manufacturing
• End-to-end process and logistics
• Task automation
• Logic and optimisation
• Offsite and onsite
• Component tracking
• Lean principles
• Virtual construction.

Methods: Data capture from live projects and advanced offsite facilities, numerical simulation (e.g. DES), machine learning and other advanced analytical methods.

This is a fully-funded studentship (fees and maintenance) to cover home fees only.

Applications should be submitted via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egegpdpeg with Professor Gavin Davies (gmjd2@cam.ac.uk) identified as the potential supervisor. Applications may close early if the position is filled before the advertised date.
PLEASE NOTE: there is an application fee of £20 to apply via the Postgraduate Application Portal

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Key information

Department/location

Department of Engineering

Salary

Reference

NM49451

Category

Studentships

Date published

17 April 2026

Closing date

14 May 2026