We are hiring a Research Associate to develop models for the thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical behaviour of bentonite barriers in nuclear waste disposal, through conventional and Machine Learning approaches. This is an opportunity to work on a topic of great environmental importance,  in close collaboration with our research partners in the UK (British Geological Survey, BGS) and in the USA (Texas A&M University, TAMU, and Sandia National Laboratories, SNL).

For more information and to apply (by the 10^th of October) follow the link:

Description | Jobs | Imperial College London

A PhD position is now open at University of Orleans on the optimization of innovative solutions for adapting houses exposed to Clay Shrinkage-Swelling phenomenon using numerical modeling.

Since 2015, intense droughts over longer periods has been observed in France. These climatic phenomena have a very considerable impact on the physical and mechanical characteristics of clayed soils. These exceptional events are the main factor triggering the shrinkage-swelling phenomenon of this type of soil and consequently cause damage to buildings.

The thesis topic is part of the SAFE RGA project (Innovative Solutions for Adapting Buildings Exposed to drought Facing the Expansion of the Clay Shrinkage-Swelling Phenomenon) funded by ADEME. This project aims at developping new innovative solutions for adapting houses exposed to Clay Shrinkage-Swelling Phenomenon in the context of increasingly intense, long and recurring droughts under the effect of climate change. In this context, the objectives of this thesis subject consist in developing and applying numerical modeling technique to support and optimize adaptation solutions with regard to the Shrinkage-Swelling phenomenon according to the scientific program carried out at three scales: the laboratory test scale on small samples, the intermediate scale of an instrumented environmental chamber WABox (Weather AdapBox) and the building scale.

More information on this pdf file.

This 4-year fully-funded PhD project will have a focus on developing conceptual and numerical models of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in crystalline, fractured rock masses with and specifically on applications in order to characterize, predict, and value frost damage in tunnels that are exposed to cyclic frost periods. The model will be verified against analytical solutions and validated against experimental data from field and laboratories. The overarching goal of the study is to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of frost-induced damage and splitting of rockblocks and shotcrete materials in tunnels. In addition to working at Uppsala University, the PhD candidate will have an opportunity to interact closely with the rock engineering industry and collaborate with other PhD students within Swedish Rock Engineering Research Foundation.

More details on this pdf file.

The Geo-Energy Lab at EPFL, led by Prof. Lecampion, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in rock physics and rock mechanics. This position is designed to strengthen the connection between observational data and theory, with a focus on practical applications in the field of geo-energy (Geothermal, CCS).

The successful candidate will primarily focus on two key objectives: (i) advancing the setup and analysis of the lab’s centimeter-scale, fluid-driven rupture experiments, and (ii) strengthening the connection between observations (such as AE statistics, post-test CT scans, etc.) and the theoretical models developed within the lab. Proficiency in modern experimental techniques in rock mechanics, particularly acoustic methods for monitoring ruptures in geomaterials, is essential. In addition to actively contributing to ongoing projects (notably related to thermal energy storage), the candidate is also expected to develop new research initiatives in the field of rock failure induced by pore fluids.

The position is originally for one year with possible extensions up to four years.

More information on this pdf file.