By scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com 
Looking to advance your career in Geotechnical Engineering with a fully funded opportunity at a leading U.S. research university? Auburn University is inviting applications for two fully funded Ph.D. positions in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, starting in Spring 2026 (January). This prestigious opportunity is hosted by Dr. Ali Khosravi’s research group, renowned for its cutting-edge work in frozen soil behavior and sea ice modeling.
🎓 University: Auburn University, USA
🏢 Department: Civil and Environmental Engineering
📅 Start Date: Spring 2026 (January)
💰 Funding: Fully funded (stipend + tuition + research support)
📩 Contact: Dr. Ali Khosravi at ali.khosravi@auburn.edu
🔗 Dr. Khosravi’s Lab Website
🎯 PhD in Geotechnical Engineering at Auburn University
This post focuses on the PhD in Geotechnical Engineering at Auburn University, covering eligibility, research areas, funding, and how to apply—perfectly tailored for those searching for funded Ph.D. positions in civil engineering, frozen soils, and numerical modeling.
❓What Is This Ph.D. Opportunity About?
This Ph.D. opportunity in Geotechnical Engineering is part of ongoing projects in Dr. Khosravi’s lab that focus on experimental and computational modeling of:
- ❄️ Frozen soil behavior
- 🧊 Sea ice modeling
The selected Ph.D. candidates will gain hands-on experience with advanced laboratory equipment, numerical modeling software, and high-performance computing platforms.
👨🔬 Who Should Apply?
This position is ideal for highly motivated graduate students who are passionate about:
- Soil-structure interaction under extreme conditions
- Numerical modeling in civil and environmental systems
- Earth systems, geomechanics, and cryosphere science
Minimum Qualifications:
✔️ Master’s degree in:
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Geomechanics
- Rock Mechanics
- Or a closely related field
✔️ Solid foundation in numerical modeling, especially in:
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Discrete Element Modeling (DEM)
- Parallel programming or computational modeling
✔️ English language proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall ≥ 6.5, Speaking ≥ 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: Overall ≥ 80, Speaking ≥ 23
✔️ Experience with experimental geotechnical testing is a strong plus.
🧪 What Will You Work On?
Your PhD research will focus on understanding how frozen ground and sea ice behave under various environmental and mechanical stresses. This work is critical for infrastructure design in Arctic regions, offshore engineering, and climate-resilient civil systems.
Key research areas include:
- Laboratory simulations of permafrost
- Computational modeling of sea ice failure
- Geomechanical stability assessments
- Integration of climate variables into soil behavior modeling
🏗️ Research Facilities and Resources at Auburn University, USA
Ph.D. candidates will have access to world-class research infrastructure, including:
- ✅ Geotechnical chamber (Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory – ASEL)
- ✅ Macro-CT scanner for soil imaging
- ✅ Stormwater Research Facility
- ✅ Hopper HPC cluster
- ✅ Alabama Supercomputer Authority (external compute resources)
The research will be conducted in collaboration with the Computational Geotechnics Laboratory, providing opportunities for cross-disciplinary work with computational scientists and structural engineers.
🧑🏫 Who Is Dr. Ali Khosravi?
Dr. Ali Khosravi is an Assistant Professor at Auburn University whose research specializes in geomechanics, frozen soil systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure. His work combines laboratory innovation with high-fidelity computational modeling. Learn more on Dr. Khosravi’s website.
📥 How to Apply for the PhD in Geotechnical Engineering at Auburn University?
📧 Application Materials should be sent to: ali.khosravi@auburn.edu
Include the following documents:
- CV (with educational background and research experience)
- Unofficial academic transcripts
- Brief statement of research interests
There is no official application portal for this call—direct email to Dr. Khosravi is preferred for preliminary selection.
📆 Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but early applications are encouraged due to limited slots.
🤖 Common Questions Answered
🔍 What is the focus of this PhD opportunity at Auburn University?
The focus is on modeling frozen soils and sea ice mechanics using experimental testing and advanced computational simulations.
🎯 Who can apply?
Anyone with a Master’s in Civil Engineering, Geomechanics, or related field, with experience in FEA, DEM, and strong English skills.
💵 Is this PhD fully funded?
Yes, the position offers full funding, including tuition waiver, monthly stipend, and access to computing resources.
📍 Where is Auburn University?
Auburn University is located in Alabama, USA, and is known for its strong engineering programs and collaborative research environment.
🧠 Why You Can Trust This Info
This post is prepared based on official university material from Auburn University and the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. Dr. Ali Khosravi’s academic credentials and lab achievements are publicly verifiable and recognized in the geotechnical research community.
🌟 For guidance with your CV, Research Proposal, SOP, or motivation letter, contact:
📧 scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com
🔗 Internal & External Links
- Dr. Ali Khosravi – Auburn University
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- More PhD Scholarships
📣 Final Words
This PhD in Geotechnical Engineering at Auburn University is a top-tier opportunity for researchers passionate about climate-resilient infrastructure, frozen ground systems, and computational modeling. If you’re ready to contribute to groundbreaking research while developing advanced technical skills, this fully funded Ph.D. is your chance to excel.
🙌 Follow Us for More Scholarships
🔴 YouTube
📘 Facebook
📸 Instagram
🎵 TikTok
🧵 Threads
📲 WhatsApp Channel