PhD Position in Integrated Assessment Models for Sustainable Pathways in the Water-Energy-Food-Climate Nexus
The Centre for Water Informatics and Technology (WIT) would like to extend an invitation to applicants for PhD studies at the Syed Babar Ali School of Science & Engineering, LUMS for the 2024 admission cycle. The selected candidate will get the opportunity to pursue a degree in our internationally recognised centre, with state-of-the-art facilities, and a team of graduate students, faculty, and full-time researchers pursuing top-quality research in the areas of agricultural robotics, systems analysis, hydrometeorology, earth systems science and coupled human-water systems.
Programme Options: Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical & Environmental Engineering, or any other PhD programme offered at LUMS.
Research Area: Integrated Assessment Models for Sustainable Pathways in the Water-Energy-Food-Climate Nexus
Eligibility: BS and MS in the disciplines of engineering or science with experience in programming (Python, MATLAB, or R), numerical algorithms, modeling of engineering or natural systems, data collection, and a passion for sustainability issues in water, agriculture, energy, and technology adoption. Women and international applicants are encouraged to apply.
Funding: This is a fully funded position for 4 years including a 100% tuition waiver and a monthly stipend. The monthly stipend would start at PKR 100,000. Additionally, the student is eligible to receive a personal computer (desktop or laptop) and dedicated desk space. External support for this position comes from a 42-month EU-funded project on Climate Change in collaboration with International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE), and Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL). The COMMITTED project has been ongoing since January 2023. Opportunities for prolonged visits and exchanges with international partners during the project duration also exist. This is a full-time position requiring physical presence. The accepted student will not be allowed to pursue secondary employment during the time the funding is being received.
Research Supervision: The selected students will work and collaborate with a diverse team of experts from national and international institutions working on impactful environmental and climate-related applications. Primary supervision will be provided by faculty at WIT. The outcomes of the research will include computational models and analytical methods published in top-ranked journals and conferences.
Coursework, Qualifiers, and Other Expectations: The selected student will complete the required coursework and pass qualifiers as per the policies of the LUMS programme in which the student secures admission. There are strong expectations to acquire a solid foundation, whether via coursework or independent study, in the broad areas of systems theory, optimisation algorithms, machine learning, statistical methods, modeling, and decision science. LUMS requires students to TA at least two courses before the completion of their PhD degree. Additionally, the candidate is expected to participate in WIT’s training programmes, field activities, and the supervision of undergraduates and interns.
How to Apply: Interested candidates must email their expression of interest to hrwit@lums.edu.pk with a copy of their CV, academic transcripts, MS thesis, and research papers by [mention deadline] Use the subject line ‘Application for PhD – COMMITTED’. Additionally, the student must secure successful admission in a PhD programme at the Syed Babar Ali School of Science & Engineering, LUMS (preferably in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Chemical and Environmental Engineering). This must be applied for separately (Hard deadline: April 16, 2024). Sending an EOI will not be a substitute for LUMS central admissions. Please see https://admission.lums.edu.pk/critical-dates-all-programmes
Selection Process: Following the EOI submission, applicants must inform WIT about their successful application and tracking ID. WIT will shortlist and invite applicants for interviews and make a final decision. The applicant will be at liberty to discuss supervision options with other LUMS faculty during the selection process. However, once the applicant accepts the position at WIT, switching the supervisor will not be possible unless there are unprecedented circumstances.
For any informal queries or clarifications please email us at abubakr@lums.edu.pk
