Do you have a master’s degree in civil or transportation engineering, and are you interested in fully funded PhD studies in the United States? There is currently an opening at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) for recruiting a PhD student interested in Infrastructure Risk & Community Resilience at the Innovation for Resilient Infrastructure (IRI) Research Group.
This is a fully funded scholarship with a research assistantship providing free tuition and monthly living allowance at one of the best-ranked civil engineering schools in the nation. If you have always dreamed of studying for a PhD in the US while not having to think about the costs of your tuition, then this guide will provide you with all necessary information, including eligibility requirements, details about funding, a step-by-step application process, and useful tips on how to impress with your application!
Quick Glance: Infrastructure Risk PhD Position Snapshot
About the University of Colorado Boulder
It should be noted that the University of Colorado Boulder is one of the leading American research universities, and the College of Engineering of this institution ranks among the best in the country. As far as the ranking of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at Colorado in 2026–27 goes, this institution holds tenth place overall in the ranking of public engineering colleges of the USA. In more detail about the PhD position, the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering ranked #13 in 2025-26 in the ranking of public civil engineering graduate departments by US News & World Report and still keeps moving up!
The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering (CEAE) is a large academic institution with more than 800 students (including more than 100 PhD students) and an excellent faculty team.
Boulder City is itself a wonderful place to reside and pursue one’s education. Being located only 30 miles away from Denver, the city has earned its status of being one of the best cities to live in the U.S. Denver City earned the #6 slot of the best cities in America for civil engineers, according to ASCE, in the year 2025. Thus, the prospects of the students pursuing their education from CU Boulder are bright. The city provides excellent recreational opportunities in hiking, skiing, and tech & innovation.
About the IRI Research Group & Supervisor
IRI stands for Innovation for Resilient Infrastructure Research Group. This student researcher group is committed to the advancement of civil infrastructure systems in terms of resilience and condition through the creation of risk-based and cost-efficient methods to make decision-making regarding such infrastructure possible. IRI’s work carries implications for infrastructure management both theoretically and practically for preparation against and recovery from disasters such as those related to climate change and infrastructure itself.
The faculty advisor for IRI is Dr. Cristina Torres-Machi, who is an associate professor in the Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering Department at CU Boulder. Torres-Machi received a dual PhD and is internationally recognized for her innovative contributions in infrastructure risk, optimal infrastructure asset management, and data-driven infrastructure degradation. As such, she offers students in the IRI a wealth of experience from an interdisciplinary field that combines public policy, engineering, and data science alike. In addition to academic productivity, the IRI promotes collaboration and mentorship among its members.
For those who wish to apply: If you go through the already published research work by Dr. Torres-Machi before applying, you will be able to write your cover letter according to their latest focus areas. They publish their work in the best journals of infrastructure risk management and natural hazards. You can find the group’s page here: https://www.colorado.edu/faculty/torresmachi/
What Infrastructure Risk Is About
In this particular PhD program, you will be researching two closely related topics that form some of the biggest issues facing today’s civil engineers. They include:
- The quantification of the risk of newly established transportation infrastructure systems. This will see the development of methodologies used to determine how vulnerable different infrastructure systems are to disruptions, failure, and even damage.
- Impact of natural disasters and hazards on the mobility of the community. With climate change leading to more extreme weather conditions around the world, there needs to be proper assessment of the impact of flooding, earthquakes, and even wildfires in relation to the mobility of communities.
These areas of study overlap the domains of infrastructure management, risk engineering, and resilience of the community. This is an area that attracts a lot of attention and funding globally. Through your work here, you will be helping policymakers develop evidence-based strategies for the allocation of resources towards disaster prevention and infrastructure management.
What Infrastructure Risk PhD Funding Covers
The problem that worries most international PhD candidates is money. This opportunity addresses this issue. The following is the package offered through the full scholarship for research assistantship at CU Boulder:
- Tuition waiver for resident tuition up to 15 credit hours/semester
- Monthly allowance of about $16,000+ per semester (Fall & Spring semesters), or equivalently $2,700+ per month
- Partial health coverage with dental plan included, covering 91% of premiums
- Research assistance – access to lab equipment, computational resources, and money for traveling to conferences
The assistantship entails you working as an RA at IRI in one of the projects run by Dr. Torres-Machi in parallel to doing your own dissertation research work. This is how PhDs are funded at research universities in the US, i.e., you get paid to do research, and your tuition is waived as part of the deal.
Infrastructure Risk PhD Position Requirements
Review these qualifications before submitting your application. We are looking for someone who qualifies based on many or most of the following:
Academic Qualifications for Infrastructural Risk PhD Position
- Master’s degree (or close to completion) in one of the following disciplines: Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Infrastructure Systems, or closely related discipline.
- Strong academic credentials in the fields of transportation engineering and infrastructure systems.
- The candidate should also meet all the admission criteria for CU Boulder’s PhD program in Construction Engineering and Management.
Technical Skills for Infrastructural Risk PhD Position
- Experience in data analysis (statistical techniques, database management, and/or GIS)
- Experience in simulation modeling. Modeling system behavior or performance of infrastructures
- Optimization techniques – knowledge in mathematical programming, heuristics, and operations research
Personal Qualities for Infrastructural Risk PhD Position
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
- Self-motivated, proactive, and able to manage his/her workload in a project setting
- Team-oriented approach
Requirements for International Students:
- An English language qualification is often required (TOEFL/IELTS as per CU Boulder graduate admission requirements).
- Google account is needed to fill out expression-of-interest form.
How to Apply for Infrastructure Risk PhD Position
There are two parts to applying for this PhD role. First, there’s the expression of interest form to the IRI group, followed by the official PhD program application at CU Boulder. Follow these instructions exactly:
Step 1: Prepare Your Application Documents
Make sure all documents are prepared before filling out the form:
- CV — maximum of 2 pages long; should focus on research experience, technical abilities, publications, and other projects
- Writing sample — a scientific paper written by yourself, a report, or a chapter of your thesis. You will demonstrate that you can write high-quality papers
- Cover letter — maximum of 2 pages long; write about your areas of interest, background, and explain why you are suitable for joining the IRI team
- Proof of English language proficiency — if needed, submit TOEFL or IELTS test results
Step 2: Fill in the Expression-of-Interest Form
Log on to the IRI Research Group website and fill out the Google Form. Having a Google account is mandatory since there will be file attachments. Should you find yourself unable to accomplish this, please reach out to the research group directly at [email protected].
For more information, go to https://www.colorado.edu/faculty/torresmachi/
Step 3: What Next When You Apply
Your application is reviewed by the IRI group on a rolling basis. This means that there is no hard deadline; however, the sooner you apply, the faster your application is processed. Here’s how the selection process goes:
- Initial Screening Based On Your CV, Writing Sample, And Cover Letter
- Those shortlisted for the position will undergo a video interview.
- Some may be given a written test for evaluation purposes.
- Successful candidates are assisted in applying for the CU Boulder PhD Program in Construction Engineering and Management.
- Admission decisions are made by the university.
Step 4: Be Prepared For Your Video Interview
When selected for a video interview, you can expect to be asked about the following topics:
- Your Master’s thesis/research background
- Technical expertise related to data analysis/simulation
- Interest in infrastructure risk and community resilience
- Long-term academic/career aspirations
- Why you would like to join the IRI Research Group
Tips for Infrastructure Risk PhD position
The IRI Research Group wants something more than mere academic qualifications. Here are ways of standing out from the crowd:
Customize Your Cover Letter for the Research Group
Generic cover letters stick out. Take your time reading 3–5 papers authored by Dr. Torres-Machi recently and mention a certain methodology used or finding made that you find interesting, showing how your expertise aligns with their research area of risk-based infrastructure management.
Pick the Appropriate Writing Sample
Choose a writing sample that matches the research area as closely as possible. A thesis chapter on infrastructure, transportation, or risk analysis will work best. If your Master’s research pertained to another subject, pick a writing sample that reflects your ability to analyze and communicate technically.
Highlight Your Computer Science Skills Practically
This job involves working with data analysis, simulations, or optimization. In your CV, be sure to mention not just the computer programs you know, but what you’ve done with them. “Created Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate risks in bridge deterioration” speaks much louder than “Familiar with MATLAB.”
Apply Early
The process takes place on a rolling basis, which implies that the candidate will be selected even before the deadline for the application has been determined. You need to submit all the relevant documents once they are finalized.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, provide your TOEFL or IELTS test scores along with your CV and showcase good language skills through your cover letter.
Life in Boulder, Colorado
In addition to the great research, CU Boulder has a unique and desirable lifestyle that makes doing your PhD enjoyable and memorable.
Boulder, Colorado has always been recognized as one of the nation’s best cities to live in. With its beautiful scenery, fresh air, and endless possibilities for outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, biking, skiing, and much more all near campus, Boulder is a wonderful place to call home.
Being near the big city of Denver, which is only 30 miles away, provides you with numerous opportunities to network, travel internationally, attend events and enjoy other perks of life in a first-class American city. As far as civil engineers are concerned, in 2025 Boulder placed #6 on the list of the best cities for civil engineers compiled by ASCE.
CU Boulder welcomes and supports international students in the best possible way. In terms of housing, the International English Center of the university provides information about accommodations and monthly costs starting at around $750-$2,000.
Bridge Engineering PhD Position at KTH Sweden (Fully Funded)
Infrastructure Risk PhD Position FAQs
Is this position fully funded?
Yes. The position is fully funded through a research assistantship which covers tuition and provides a stipend each month. Additionally, all CU Boulder PhD students get 91% of their health insurance premium costs covered.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International students can also apply. It may be necessary to prove their English Language Proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) during the application process.
What is the application deadline?
There is no set deadline for applications. Application review will be ongoing till the position is filled.
What does a research assistantship cover?
According to CU Boulder, a research assistantship includes payment of tuition up to 15 credits per semester, stipend of ~$16,000+ per semester, and health insurance premium of 91%. The health insurance premium includes dental coverage.
What is the difference between the expression-of-interest form and the official PhD application?
Expression of interest is just the initial stage. This document is to be submitted to the IRI Research Group to select the right candidate. You will be informed if the IRI Research Group likes your application and then, if accepted, they will help you apply for the position at CU Boulder’s PhD program in Construction Engineering and Management.
What GPA or test scores are required?
It appears that the GPA requirement is not mentioned in the announcement. Check the official requirements of CU Boulder Graduate Studies Department for Construction Engineering and Management.
Who is the supervisor for this position?
Dr. Cristina Torres-Machi, Assistant Professor at Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, CU Boulder.
What if I don’t have a Google account to submit the form?
Please send an e-mail to [email protected] and the IRI Research Group will help you with this process.
Infrastructure Risk PhD Position Final Thoughts
A completely-funded PhD in one of the best civil engineering programs in the US ranked within the top 15, with supervision from an internationally acclaimed researcher, a collaborative environment for research, and all of this while living in one of the most livable cities in America. This is an incredible chance that any Master’s graduate in civil or transportation engineering would love to get their hands on. The topic of research here is very relevant and challenging: how can we make our communities safer, more resilient, and prepared to deal with natural hazards in the coming decades?
If you think that this opportunity is something that you would like to consider, then apply now while it’s still available – candidates are considered on a rolling basis and the position will be closed as soon as a suitable candidate is identified.
Forward this post to a friend, a classmate who is looking for a similar PhD. Chances are, they will really appreciate it! If you found this post useful, why don’t you sign up for our newsletter, where we feature similar PhD scholarships, funding opportunities, and international student guides regularly?
Leave a Reply