This position is no longer available.
University:
CentraleSupélec | Université Paris-Saclay
Country:
France
Deadline:
Not specified
Fields:
Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Transportation Engineering
Are you passionate about leveraging advanced technologies to solve real-world infrastructure challenges and looking to make a tangible impact on the future of sustainable transportation? If you aspire to develop expertise at the intersection of engineering, data science, and climate resilience, this fully funded PhD position could be your next career-defining step.
About The University Or Research Institute
CentraleSupélec, a constituent institution of Université Paris-Saclay, stands among Europe's most prestigious engineering and research universities. Located in the Paris region, it is renowned for its rigorous academic environment, world-class faculty, and strong industry partnerships. The university's Laboratory of Mechanics Paris-Saclay (LMPS – UMR 9026), in collaboration with ENS Paris-Saclay and CNRS, is an epicenter for pioneering research in mechanics and engineering sciences. This PhD program is delivered in partnership with Colas Rail, a global leader in sustainable rail infrastructure, and benefits from the support and funding of the Île-de-France Region.
Research Topic and Significance
The project centers on developing a digital twin—a sophisticated virtual replica—of railway tracks, specifically to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change. As extreme weather events such as heatwaves, storms, and heavy rainfall become more frequent, France's railway network has seen a dramatic rise in climate-related incidents. Between 2015 and 2022, such incidents tripled, and nearly one-fifth of all rail delays in 2022 were weather-related. Traditional empirical stability rules are increasingly inadequate in this new climate reality. Digital twins, which combine physics-based simulations with data-driven machine learning models, offer a transformative approach to predicting, monitoring, and enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure. This research is not only scientifically innovative but also vital for ensuring the sustainability and safety of rail mobility in a changing world.
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Project Details
This PhD Position Is a Collaboration Between Colas Rail And The Laboratory Of Mechanics Paris-Saclay (LMPS). The Project Is Supervised By Prof. Fernando Lopez-Caballero (LMPS) As The Primary Supervisor, With Dr. Pierre Jehel (LMPS) And Thomas De Guibert (Colas Rail) Serving As Co-supervisors. The Research Will Proceed Under a Structured Timeline
– **Year 1:** Literature review, benchmarking, and development of simulation models.
– **Year 2:** Calibration of models, machine learning algorithm training, and hybrid architecture design.
– **Year 3:** Scientific writing, validation, and deployment of the digital twin system.
Regular weekly meetings and bi-monthly reviews with the supervisory committee ensure continuous guidance and progress monitoring.
The Research Will Integrate Two Main Modeling Approaches
* **Physics-based models** – Utilizing mechanical theory, such as partial differential equations, to simulate rail behavior.
* **Data-driven models** – Leveraging machine learning to capture complex, nonlinear behaviors in the rail system.
The ultimate goal is to predict railway behavior under extreme climate loads, enable predictive maintenance, and support resilient infrastructure planning.
Candidate Profile
The Ideal Candidate Will Possess
– A Master's degree (or Bac+5) in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or closely related fields.
– Familiarity with machine learning and data science is strongly preferred.
– Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
– Fluency in English or French.
– Motivation, curiosity, and a drive to contribute to sustainable engineering solutions.
Application Process
To apply, please send the following documents to pierre[dot]jehel[at]centralesupelec[dot]fr:
– A motivation letter
– A detailed CV
– 1–2 recommendation letters
This PhD is fully funded by the Île-de-France Region.
Conclusion
This is a unique opportunity to join a world-class research team and contribute to the future of sustainable rail transportation. If you are ready to advance your expertise in digital twins, machine learning, and climate-resilient infrastructure, we encourage you to apply. Stay tuned for more opportunities like this by following our updates.
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