PhD Recruitment
Research opportunities
The Institute of Railway Research (IRR) offers an exciting environment for postgraduate researchers looking to help shape the future of the rail industry. Whether exploring solutions to the engineering challenges facing today’s railways or developing new knowledge and technologies for the future, you’ll have the opportunity to work on research with real-world relevance and impact.
The IRR undertakes specialist railway research and development across a wide range of engineering and safety-risk areas. As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll join a collaborative research community working alongside academic experts and engaging with industrial and academic partners across Europe on projects that contribute to the future development of rail transport.
Computer Vision for Ground-Penetrating Radar
Apply modern machine learning and computer vision methods to process and interpret ground-penetrating radar (GPR) of real tracks.
Dynamic Analysis of Wind Loads
Develop new wind-load modelling capability for PantoCat, an industry-leading simulation tool, working with real Network Rail case studies.
Prediction of Longitudinal Rail Stress
Develop complex, specialist finite-element modelling methods to investigate how rail stress develops during installation and changes throughout the service life of turnouts.