The Center for geosciences and geoengineering of Mines Paris, PSL research University, is offering a PhD position devoted to the investigation of the long-term mechanical behaviour of rock salt. Indeed, rock salt has very interesting properties for underground storage and disposal, and salt caverns have been used for decades to store hydrocarbons and other substances (compressed air, hydrogen, chemical wastes, etc.). As part of the energy transition to low-carbon sources, underground storage will play a very important role, and hundreds of new salt caverns will be created in Europe in the coming years. Studies of the feasibility and long-term stability of these facilities need to be based on constitutive laws that can be extrapolated over long periods of time. However, the development of such laws is still a major engineering challenge, and further research combining different scales is needed.

We are looking forward to receiving applications from highly motivated and curious candidates with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in earth sciences, preferably rock mechanics. Applications are expected ASAP, with a deadline on July 20, 2023. Please see attached pdf file for details.