Soil micro-structure evolution during deterioration driven by environmental cycles at Loughborough University

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. https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/clusters/raindrop/
This PhD project aims to advance understanding of how environmental (weather) cycles drive deterioration in geomaterials. A particular focus will be on the soil micro-structure evolution and how this links to macro-scale behaviour, using advanced laboratory tests, imaging techniques, and computer simulations. The outcomes will support the development of strategies to mitigate these deterioration processes and improve the resilience of geotechnical infrastructure.

Feel free to reach out to the primary supervisor – Dr Mark Jepson, if you have any questions.

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr Mark A. E. Jepson

Secondary supervisors: Dr Alister Smith, Dr Matthew Frost

Entry requirements:
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated candidate with a first-class / high 2:1 degree in a relevant Engineering or Physical Science discipline, for example Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, Earth Science, Materials Science.

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 (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:
The studentship is for 3-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:
Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under campus, please select ‘Loughborough’, under programme name, select ‘Materials’ and quote the reference number ‘RAINDROP-MJ’ in your application. Please note, 1^st January 2026 will be the earliest start date 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, comprising a CV, two-page research proposal, and studentship application form will be considered for an interview. Please make sure you have uploaded all these documents.

The selection criteria (https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/research-applications/studentship-assessment-criteria/) will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. Incomplete applications after the advert closing date may not be considered.