Two funded PhD positions are available in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta, Canada. The preferred start date for applicants is Fall 2025 or Spring 2026.Applicants are encouraged to have research interests or experience in one or more of the following areas:
1. Automation, Informatics, and AI in Construction：
Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and auto-mation to revolutionize construction operations and improve productivity.
2. Post-Disaster Infrastructure Restoration and Reconstruction:
Developing advanced decision support systems to optimize reconstruction and recovery efforts in the aftermath of disasters (e.g.,wildfires, flooding).
3. Infrastructure-Social-Organizational Integration:
Investigating how social and organizational systems can enhance the resilience and sustain-ability of infrastructure management.
Required Qualifications:
• Passionate about leveraging AI and data science approaches to build resilient and sustainable civil infrastructure.
• Background in Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience with one or more programming languages (R, Python, MATLAB, etc)
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Meet the general requirements for PhD admission (https://www.ualberta.ca/en/engineering/civil-environmental-engineering/graduate-programs/how-to-apply/admission-requirements.html).
Preferred Qualifications:
• Interest and/or experience in one or more of the following topics: AI and machine learning, spatio-temporal data analytics, complex system modeling and simulation, statistical modeling, and construction operation simulation.
• Proficient programming skills.
• Candidates with prior research experience and publications.
Application Instructions:
• Please send your CV, (un)official transcripts, and one-page research statement to Dr. Yitong Li at yitong2@ualberta.ca. Please put “PhD Application - <Your Name>” in the subject line.
• Further instructions will be provided via email to selected candidates. Please email Dr. Yitong Li if you have any questions.
About the Supervisor:
• Dr. Yitong Li will join the University of Alberta as an Assistant Professor starting in July 2025. She earned her Ph.D. in Civil and Infrastructure Engineering (2023) and her M.S. in Data Analytics Engineering (2021) from George Mason University. Dr. Li completed her B.S. in Civil Engineering at the University of Alberta in 2018. She is currently serving as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Rutgers University. More details about her research can be found on her Google Scholar(https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=QmWvf2kAAAAJ&hl=en).
• Dr. Li embraces a growth mindset that centers and strives to make possible successful learning experiences for all students. The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Li to create a personalized learning and development plan that promotes both academic and professional growth,empowering them prepare for their future endeavors.
