This research position involves computational mechanics of robotic earthworm – ground interaction, penetration mechanics/kinematics in soil, and large deformation tunneling in soil. Interest and/or experience in large deformation computational mechanics (e.g., geomechanics or poromechanics) is required and background in engineering mechanics, civil, mechanical or physics is welcome. The multi-year position begins summer 2024 (as early as May to as late as August).

Research activities will involve collaboration with industry robotics groups advancing soft robotic earthworm technology for rapid, small footprint utility construction. The research effort will involve the evaluation of experimental data from robotic earthworm, penetrometer and other large deformation studies across a variety of soils, the assessment of a variety of large deformation computational modeling approaches applied across the broad array of industries involving porous materials, and the application of the most promising computational mechanics approaches to best meet project objectives. Computational mechanics will be blended with machine learning techniques to enhance capabilities, particularly during field adoption.

The research takes place within the Center for Underground at Colorado School of Mines, located in picturesque Golden, Colorado and nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains just 20 minutes west of Denver, Colorado.

Interested parties should inquire with Professor Mike Mooney at mmooney@mines.edu.

A Research Fellow position is now open at Université Gustave Eiffel, Laboratoire Navier, on “Multiscale mechanics of materials for sustainable construction: coupling experiments to models”

Information and Applications:  https://www.concours.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/charge-e-de-recherche-du-developpement-durable-de-a126.html as well as on this pdf page (in both French and English)

Postdoc in geothermal infrastructure

The Postdoc will work on a large-scale EU geothermal infrastructure project “ ‘LEG-DHC’ – Large-scale climate neutral Energy Geostructures in District Heating & Cooling systems/networks” in a consortium of 15 partners, with a balanced participation of Universities and public institutions (8 partners) and private companies (7 partners).

The candidate should have a PhD degree in Civil / Geotechnical / Geological / Energy Engineering. Experience in deep / shallow geothermal energy, district heating, energy management would be an advantage.

Contact person: Dr. Zili Li zili.li@ucc.ie

A Phd position is now open at Ecole des Ponts ParisTech on “Multi-scale hydro-chemo-mechanical behaviour of swelling clay-sulfate rocks”.

More information on this pdf file.

Two postdoctoral positions are available in the Theoretical & Applied Geomechanics research group at the University of British Columbia. Both positions offer a two-year appointment with the possibility of a contract extension. Successful candidates will benefit from exposure to a dynamic international research environment and opportunities for various areas of professional development.

Position 1 Description

The selected candidate will be responsible for carrying out continuum-based numerical analyses with advanced constitutive models to address problems involving large deformations. The computational techniques of interest include Material Point Method (MPM), Finite Element Method (FEM), or Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM). Additionally, the candidate should apply machine learning techniques for conducting inverse analyses.

Position 2 Description

The selected candidate will conduct discrete element modeling (DEM), focusing on the monotonic and cyclic shearing response of granular soils. The study involves the assessment of various micromechanical descriptors of the granular system in loading scenarios of interest in soil mechanics. This work is crucial for advancing our understanding and application in constitutive modeling.

Selection Criteria

• Hold a PhD in Geomechanics, Mechanics, or a related field.
• Have expertise in one of the following computational methods: Material Point Method (MPM), Finite Element Method (FEM), Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM), or Discrete Element Method (DEM).
• Be well-versed in constitutive modeling.
• Have strong programming skills.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills.
• Show the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

How to Submit Your Application

Please submit a single PDF containing a 1-page cover letter detailing your qualifications for the desired position, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, the contact information for two references, and two representative publications to Prof. Mahdi Taiebat at mtaiebat@civil.ubc.ca.

A position as Research Assistant/Associate or PostDoc in the field of geomechanics/geotechnics is now open at RWTH Aachen University.

More information may be found on this website: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/die-rwth/arbeiten-an-der-rwth/rwth-jobportal/~kbag/job-einzelansicht/?file=V000006892&lidx=1