PhD Studentship: Slope Drainage Systems: Hydromechanical Behaviour, Design, Performance, and Climate Resilience

Loughborough University - Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering

Deterioration of earthworks slopes (cuttings and embankments), which support transport infrastructure and act as flood defences, is accelerating under increasing weather extremes resulting from global change, damaging critical infrastructure resilience.

This project is part of the prestigious Loughborough University Vice Chancellor’s PhD Cluster – RAINDROP (Resilient eArthwork INfrastructure: Diagnosis, RehabilitatiOn & Prognosis). The Doctoral Researcher (DR) will join a cohort of DRs who will be working on a series of interlinked, interdisciplinary projects for sustainable, intelligent, and climate change-resilient infrastructure slopes.

This PhD is co-funded and co-supervised by Network Rail. The aim is to enhance understanding of how drainage systems impact slope hydromechanical behaviour and develop an improved design and maintenance framework for long-term performance and climate resilience. The project will assess the influence of various slope drainage systems on pore pressures, groundwater movement, shear key effects, and hydrological interception. It will also explore innovative materials to enhance drainage system performance, evaluate historical asset records, and integrate physical and numerical modelling.

Entry requirements:

The ideal applicant will be enthusiastic and self-motivated with a first-class/high 2:1 degree in civil or geotechnical engineering. A relevant master’s degree and/or employment experience will be an advantage.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Funding information:

The studentship is for three years and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

How to Apply:

All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under Campus, please select ‘Loughborough’ and select Programme ‘Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering’. Please quote the advert reference ‘RAINDROP-NR1-Drainage’ in your application. Please note that 1 April 2026 will be the earliest start date available for international applicants. All applications must include a completed studentship application form (instead of a personal statement), a two-page research proposal based on the project description outlining how you would approach the project, and an up-to-date CV. A personal statement is not required. Only applicants with the minimum supporting documents will be considered for an interview.