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PhD Vacancy - Resilient digitalised critical infrastructure, Teddington
Client: National Physical Laboratory
Location: Teddington, United Kingdom
Job Category: Other
EU work permit required: Yes
Job Reference:
97a103fd7280
Job Views:
13
Posted:
12.08.2025
Expiry Date:
26.09.2025
Job Description:
About the Role
We are seeking up to 5 fully funded PhD candidates to conduct advanced research in building security and resilience in a digitalised world. This opportunity is part of a partnership led by the Universities of Surrey and Strathclyde, supported by the Surrey-Strathclyde-NPL strategic partnership and industry partners.
The world is increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Critical Infrastructure is becoming more dependent on digital technologies, which introduces new strengths and vulnerabilities due to advances in communications, networking, robotics, sensing, data processing, AI, and cloud computing. This rapid change leads to unforeseen disruptions that are difficult to predict, as they cascade through our interconnected society.
The research will focus on challenges related to resilience in critical infrastructure systems, maintaining their functionality across digital, physical, and human aspects amidst change, disruption, and attack. Key areas include resilience-by-design, managing complexity, risk planning, cyber resilience, trustworthiness, measurement, and the use of data, digital tools, and AI.
Students will join a multidisciplinary cohort across the Universities of Surrey and Strathclyde, developing their PhD projects with supervision and industry collaboration. The program includes foundational training in resilience-building, multidisciplinary team projects, and fostering a "resilience mindset"—the ability to self-direct, question, solve complex problems, collaborate, and adapt continuously. Industry stakeholders will provide access to facilities across sectors like communication, power, and transport.
About You
Applicants should typically hold a first or upper-second class degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent), or a lower second with a good Masters degree (distinction usually required). Relevant fields include computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, management, psychology, law, and sociology. Comfort with mathematics is preferred. We also consider non-traditional applicants such as industry professionals, career changers, or those with equivalent experience without formal qualifications. We support Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion and are open to discussing alternative study modes.
Link to apply:
About Us
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre providing measurement science, engineering, and technology to support prosperity and quality of life in the UK.
NPL and DSIT are committed to diversity and equality, welcoming applications regardless of background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age. Special encouragement is given to women, disabled, and minority candidates. Disabled applicants satisfying the criteria will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
At NPL, our success stems from the diversity and talent of our people. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone is valued based on merit and ability. We hold memberships and accreditations supporting our commitment to diversity & inclusion. We also prioritize employee health and well-being, offering flexible working, social activities, and a positive work-life balance.
We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities and are willing to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please contact us if you wish to discuss accommodations.
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