A postdoctoral position in theoretical and computational geomechanics in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota is available immediately for a study associated with the Center for Interacting Geo-processes in Mineral Carbon Storage (GMCS), funded through the Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC) program by the Office of Basic Energy Sciences, US Department of Energy. The key objective of GMCS is to develop a deep understanding of the key geo-processes, occurring across multiple scales, that is necessary to achieve a successful mineral carbon storage operation. This will require cohorts of engineers and scientists, from across the spectrum of geomechanics, geochemistry, porous media flow, reactive transport, and sensing technologies, to work in concert towards the common mission of fully developing the fundamental science and engineering capability that will lead to realizing the potential for permanent subsurface storage of CO2 via mineralization.
The postdoctoral fellow will be assisting with the development of models of propagating cracks driven by reactive fluids, considering dissolution and precipitation mechanisms, and will be conducting numerical simulations to assess the evolution of the transport properties of a fractured porous rock caused by injection of a reactive fluid. The initial appointment is for one year and is renewable for up to four years.
The ideal candidate must have strong background in theoretical and computational mechanics. An expertise in fracture mechanics and poromechanics is mandatory; knowledge of geochemistry is preferred but not required. Also of importance are communication skills and ability to work effectively with the senior investigators, other post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students.
Applicants should submit a statement of interest, career goals, 2-page CV, and the names and contact information of three references. Inquiries and applications should be sent by email to Emmanuel Detournay (detou001@umn.edu) and Joseph Labuz (jlabuz@umn.edu).