2026 TUM PhD Scholarship in Bridge Risk Assessment with Remote Sensing and Machine Learning

This PhD project will develop new methods that combine remote sensing, physics-based modelling, and Bayesian machine learning to support risk management of bridge portfolios. You will create tools that transform complex data into reliable insights for infrastructure safety and sustainability. The project is a collaboration between the Engineering Risk Analysis Group at TUM and Prof. Maria Pina Limongelli at Politecnico di Milano, offering an excellent international research environment.

You will develop risk assessment methodologies for bridges and civil infrastructure, which integrate remote sensing data with physics-based models into a probabilistic decision support system. You will establish a systematic uncertainty quantification framework for remote sensing data for bridges. This will be the basis for Bayesian machine learning approaches to predict bridge deformations and manage uncertainty. The project will leverage other data sources in the bridge portfolio to further reduce prediction uncertainty. Finally, the PhD will result in methods and tools to manage bridge portfolios with remote sensing data.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNot Specified
• ValueFully Funded
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorTechnical University of Munich (TUM)
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Fully funded PhD position (75% TV-L E13), financed by the TUM Institute of Advanced Studies and the TUM Georg Nemetschek Institute of Artificial Intelligence for the Built World.
• The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral program of the Technical University of Munich.
• The position is part of an international collaboration for which the PhD candidate will have the opportunity for an extended research visit at Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
• The earliest starting date is February 1, 2026.

Requirements

• M.Sc. degree in a relevant field.
• Excellent academic performance.
• Experience with stochastic methods, risk and reliability analysis, and data analysis.
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or a similar language.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with a keen interest in developing new methods.
• Proficiency in English (written and oral); knowledge of German is a plus.
• Strong communication skills and team player.

Check also:
Scholarship winning strategies for 2026 (Upcoming Webinar)

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Please send a single PDF including:

• o   Your CV,
• o   Electronic copies of academic diplomas, and
• o   A short cover letter (max. one page) describing your interest in the position and your relevant experience.

Send your application to: [email protected]

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Applicants with disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified.
• By submitting your application to the Technical University of Munich (TUM), you also confirm that you have taken note of the data protection information of the TUM according to Art. 13 Data Protection Basic Regulation (DSGVO) on the collection and processing of personal data in connection with your application.

For more information, kindly visit TUM scholarship webpage.