The Department of Civil Engineering at Ariel University invites applications from highly motivated candidates for a fully funded PhD position in Artificial Intelligence for Digital Construction and Infrastructure Management.

The position is open to applicants worldwide and is suitable for candidates with backgrounds in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, or related disciplines.

ELIGIBILITY:

Potential research directions:

Computer vision for automated construction-site monitoring and progress tracking

AI-based detection of safety hazards and construction defects

Multimodal AI and large language models for engineering inspection, reporting and decision support

Machine learning for project planning, risk assessment and performance prediction

AI-assisted BIM workflows and model-based information extraction

Intelligent infrastructure inspection and maintenance

Human-AI collaboration and human oversight in engineering decision making

Candidate requirements:

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree with a research thesis in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience in Python, computer vision, deep learning, YOLO or similar object-detection models, BIM, data analysis, or software development is advantageous but not required.

Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical ability, independent thinking, research motivation, and sufficient proficiency in written and spoken English to conduct research and communicate effectively.

Duration and Location:

The expected duration of the PhD is approximately three to four years, depending on the study arrangement, academic progress and university requirements.

The research will be based at the Department of Civil Engineering at Ariel University, Israel.

The starting date will be agreed upon with the selected candidate. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Further information on doctoral studies at Ariel University is available through the Graduate School website: https://campuscore.ariel.ac.il/wp/graduate-school/en/

To apply,

Applications should be sent by email to alonu@ariel.ac.il and include:

Curriculum Vitae

A statement of research interests of no more than one page, indicating which research direction interests you and why, or outlining an original direction of your own

Suitable candidates will be invited to an online interview. Informal inquiries before submitting a formal application are welcome and encouraged.

Email: alonu@ariel.ac.il

Suggested subject line: PhD Application: AI in Construction | [Applicant Name]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

BENEFIT:

This PhD position is fully funded. The successful candidate will receive:

A monthly scholarship of NIS 5,000 during the first year

A monthly scholarship of NIS 6,000 to NIS 8,000 from the second year onward, subject to satisfactory academic and research progress

Full tuition fee coverage throughout the PhD programme

Financial support for participation in national and international conferences