PhD – Civil Engineering

Deadline:-31st January 2026

PhD Opportunity

Structural Health Monitoring of Roads and Bridges Using LiDAR and Drone Image Analysis

Fully-Funded PhD Opportunity (3 years) | University of Moratuwa – Department of Civil Engineering

We are inviting applications for a fully-funded, full-time PhD on:

Structural Health Monitoring of Roads & Bridges using LIDAR and Drone Image Analysis

Funding: National Science Foundation (NSF) Competitive Research Grant (Fully funded for 3 years)

Timely & high-impact theme: motivated by recent disaster impacts and the urgent need for reliable condition assessment and predictive decision-making for road/bridge infrastructure

Industry partners: SULECO Pvt. Ltd. and Road Development Authority (RDA)

Research depth & breadth: fieldwork + data acquisition (LiDAR/drone), analytical & numerical/FE modelling, experimental validation, and ML/Al-based predictive condition assessment

Multidisciplinary: Transportation Engineering.

Structural Health Monitoring Predictive Al. LIDAR/point clouds Drone-based image analysis

Ideal candidate profile:

Second Class Upper Division or above in a relevant engineering discipline

Knowledge of Machine Learning & Al-based predictive modelling

Willingness to work full time with strong commitment to research

Strong written and oral communication skills in English

Strong interest in the proposed research area

Research Team: Dr. Chamod Hettiarchchi, Dr.

Chathura Rajapakse, Dr. Nalaka Jayantha, Dr. Sumudu Herath

How to apply: Send a letter of interest + detailed

CV to Chamodh@uom.lk

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.