To test the safety and feasibility of geological disposal of radioactive waste in deep clay layers under real conditions, SCK CEN started in 1980 with the construction of a laboratory at 225 meters below ground level (HADES). Here, engineers test the safety and feasibility for building and operation of the waste repository: How can we build tunnels and side tunnels? Scientists perform research into the thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical characteristics of clay and the interaction between the radioactive waste and the surrounding engineered barriers and host clay. How will the clay behave after excavation of the tunnels and the disposal of the waste? What is the impact of the heat-emitting waste on the clay formation? How can we study the stability of the galleries? Apply now for this job offer, and help us answering these questions.. 

More information on that website. Deadline : 17/09/2023

A postdoc position is now open in geomechanics at Department of Geotechnical Engineering of Tongji University, China (ranked 1st for civil engineering by U.S. News and ARWU). The project is on the characterization of the inelastic processes of geomaterials under multi-physics processes (i.e., Thermal-Hydro-Chemo-Mechanical coupling in carbon dioxide sequestration and energy storage systems).

The postdoc will perform independent research under the supervision of Dr. Xianda Shen. This is a two-year fixed term contract with possible extensions if needed and can be started immediately. Annual salary is around EUR 40,000 with extra bonus based on performance and contributions to the department.

Interested applicants can forward a single PDF consisting of a 1-page cover letter, a full CV, and contact details of two references to Dr. Xianda Shen (xshen@tongji.edu.cn). The review of candidates will begin on October 1st, 2023, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For any additional information, see the attached pdf, visit the lab website (https://xiandashen.github.io./), or please write a message to xshen@tongji.edu.cn.

The Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (D-BAUG, www.baug.ethz.ch) at ETH Zurich invites applications for the above-mentioned position.

The new professor is expected to develop a strong international research programme within the areas of underground construction, tunnelling, rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering, with the main focus on understanding, modelling, and developing the fundamentals of mechanics for underground construction. The new professor is expected to deal with significant challenges, which include complex underground structures with demanding boundary conditions (e.g. future underground cities, underground energy storage, geothermal energy, nuclear waste depositories), automation and monitoring in underground construction (mechanisation, interactions between construction processes), ground response to tunnelling and surface settlements, and underground construction in difficult geotechnical and geological conditions, including large rock deformations and pressures, thermo-poro-mechanical and chemical couplings.

The successful candidate is expected to be an established leader in one or more of these areas, ideally combining outstanding academic and industrial/consulting experience. She or he holds a PhD degree in geotechnical engineering or geosciences, with an outstanding research portfolio that combines strengths in numerical and physical modelling, advanced experimental and analytical methods, fully coupled thermo-poro-mechanical and chemical interactions (multi-physics), field monitoring and remote sensing. A strong commitment to teaching at the undergraduate (in German or English) and graduate (in English) level in the Civil Engineering curriculum is expected. Academic achievements should be complemented by the ability to lead a research group and generate external funding. The position will be filled at the full professor level. The professorship is embedded in the Institute of Geotechnical Engineering (IGT) at D-BAUG. IGT comprises four complementary chairs and an independent group, covering a wide range of fields in geotechnical engineering. Switzerland is an outstanding hub for tunnelling and underground construction, with excellent collaboration opportunities within ETH Zurich.

ETH Zurich is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer, values diversity, and is responsive to the needs of dual-career couples.

Please apply online: www.facultyaffairs.ethz.ch

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications and projects, a statement of future research and teaching interests, a description of the leadership philosophy, three key publications, a description of the three most important achievements, and a certificate of the highest degree. The letter of application should be addressed to the President of ETH Zurich, Prof. Dr. Joël Mesot. The closing date for applications is 30 November 2023.

The Centre for Offshore Foundations Systems (COFS) at the University of Western Australia (UWA) is seeking a research fellow with a strong background in geotechnical engineering to support their research activities in ocean renewable energy. This is an opportunity to work with a large team of internationally recognised researchers, with access to state of the art experimental and numerical facilities and engaging strongly with industry, regulatory and government bodies in the ocean renewable energy space. This opportunity is a collaboration with the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) in Oslo.

More information on this attached pdf file.

A PhD scholarship on “Modelling the impact of mineral composition on the hydromechanical properties of rocks: from hydrothermal alteration to the large-scale behaviour of reservoirs” is now open at University of Lyon (ENTPE).

More information on the attached pdf file.