MSCA Doctoral Researcher

This fully funded PhD position at Newcastle University, as part of the i3WaterS European Doctoral Network, focuses on developing AI-driven approaches for intelligent water distribution management. The role involves creating a "District Information Area" framework to enhance semi-autonomous decision-making and system resilience. Key requirements include a strong quantitative research background, programming skills, and a keen interest in water systems, with no prior doctoral degree and adherence to MSCA mobility rules.

• Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD position at Newcastle University as part of i3WaterS – Intelligent, Innovative and Integrative Water Systems , a European Doctoral Network funded under the Horizon Europe Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions programme.
• Develop and implement a District Information Area framework based on network connectivity, shared data, and operational interdependencies.
• Investigate approaches for defining adaptive or virtual subnetworks that complement existing District Metered Areas.
• Develop methods for semi-autonomous local decision-making while maintaining coordination across the wider water distribution system.
• Integrate information from sensors, smart meters, network models, and neighbouring areas to assess local infrastructure condition and operational performance.
• Apply network science, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and decision-support methods to water distribution management.
• Investigate monitoring coverage and sensor placement requirements for representative and reliable assessment of the physical network.
• Contribute to the development of an integrated, large-scale digital twin of the water distribution system.
• Evaluate the proposed methods using operational or experimental water utility case studies.
• Work collaboratively with academic and industrial partners across the i3WaterS network.
• Undertake the research required for the award of a PhD at Newcastle University.
• Publish research findings in relevant peer-reviewed journals and present the work at international conferences, workshops, and network events.
• Participate actively in the i3WaterS training programme, Doctoral Board activities, dissemination, and public-engagement events.

• Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant discipline, including:
• Applicants whose first language is not English will normally require an IELTS score, or recognised equivalent, of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill .