Delft University of Technology is seeking candidates for 2 PhD positions within the research programme RESET (Reliable Embankments for the Safe Expansion of Rail Traffic). These positions are respectively related to data science/machine learning and numerical/probabilistic modelling:

1. Stochastic Characterisation and Modelling of Embankment and Subsurface Using Data from Multiple Sources: link
2. Reliability/Risk-Based Modelling for Assessing Railway Embankment Stability: link

Deadline for applications: 11 September 2022

A co-tutored thesis between Ecole Centrale de Nantes (France) and Université de Liège (Belgium) is available on Modeling unstable gas infiltration through initially saturated geomaterials.

Interested candidates must submit their complete CV, their grades and their diploma together with a copy of their passport/identity card on the web site of Université Bretagne Loire before August the 25th: https://theses.doctorat-bretagneloire.fr/spi/cde-theses-2022/modelisation-de-la-percolation-instable/++add++Candidate

More information on this pdf file.

A postdoctoral position on Granular Mechanics is now open at the Northwestern University. More information on this pdf file.

Delft University of Technology is seeking candidates for multiple Assistant Professors on geo-related topics. Topics of interest include:

• Geological interpretation of seismic data
• Near-surface geophysical characterization and monitoring
• Dynamic simulation of sediment deposition in deltas
• Metal-speciation in mineralogy / geochemistry
• Bio-geochemical leaching of rocks
• (Bio geochemical) reactive transport in porous media
• Bio-geochemistry for Resources and Waste Engineering

See link for more details.

Deadline for applications: 30 September 2022.

A 1-year post-doc position is available at Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, on Molecular Dynamics simulations of superlubric granular particles. 

The position is part of the project “SSLiP: Scaling-up SuperLubricity into Persistence” funded by an HORIZON-EIC-2021 Pathfinder-Open Grant. The project aims at studying the advanced lubricant properties of particular granular materials to establish a radically new way to drastically reduce friction. 

A full description and information how to apply is given in the attached pdf and at  

https://www.polimi.it/en/faculty-and-staff/calls-and-competitions/research-grants/a-r-6722

Candidates must hold a PhD degree in one of these disciplines: Computational Mechanics, Mechanical/Mathematical/Civil Engineering, Granular Physics, Computer science, Tribology or similar fields. 

A background in computational mechanics, especially on molecular dynamics simulations, and in data processing is preferential. 

For any additional information, please write a message to 

diego.berzi@polimi.it 

dalila.vescovi@polimi.it 

Project starting date: October 1st, 2022 

Net salary per month: ~EUR 1,500 

Supervision: Prof. Diego Berzi, Dr. Dalila Vescovi 

Application deadline: August 31st, 2022 

Applications are welcomed for 5 Post-doc positions starting in November 2022.

These positions are part of a large project (SAGE-SAND) funded by the Energy Transition Fund in Belgium, and will be co-supervised by the different partners (KULeuven, UCLouvain, ULiège). The duration of the project is 3 years and include large scale pile tests and monitoring, advanced micromechanical characterization and testing (SEM, X ray microtomography), micromechanical modelling (Discrete Element method, Phase field modelling) and macroscale nonlinear and dynamic modelling.

More information in the attached file.

HOSTING
========
3 years Phd – beginning in October 2022
18 months in the IMERYS company (www.imerys.com), Lyon, France
18 months in the IRCER laboratory (www.ircer.fr), Limoges, France

PROJECT
=======
This PhD is part of the CESAREF European Industrial Doctoral Network

OBJECTIVES
==========
To conduct developments of numerical tools based on the discrete element method (DEM) for investigation of the relationships between microstructure and thermomechanical properties of model materials. These developments include debounding, thermomechanical coupling, crack-closure and anisotropic behaviours. These developments will lead to a “virtual numerical lab” able to provide tensile, dilatometry, fracture mechanics or thermal shock virtual tests for virtual characterizations. The related developments will be integrated to the free DEM software GranOO.

CONTACTS
========
Damien André, damien.andre@unilim.fr, Limoges University

More information on this pdf file.

Description: A 4-year PhD position on modeling gas migration in bentonite-based engineered barrier for deep geological repository (DGR) of nuclear waste is now open in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Ottawa, Canada. The option of disposing of nuclear waste in a deep geological repository is currently being studied in several countries, including Canada. In a DGR system, a series of engineered (EB) and natural (NB) barriers will work together to contain and isolate nuclear waste to protect people and the environment. However, a significant amount of gas can be generated in a DGR from several processes. Gas migration through the bentonite-based barrier could jeopardize the safety of the DGR. Thus, a thorough understanding and proper modeling of gas migration through bentonite-based barrier is essential for the design and safety evaluation of a DRG. The successful applicant will: (i) develop suitable mathematical models to describe and predict gas migration in bentonite-based materials; (ii) validate the models against laboratory experiments and in-situ tests; (iii) numerically simulate gas migration through the buffer and shaft of a potential Canadian DGR. The selected candidate will collaborate as part of a research team, including, professors, federal and industry partners, with ongoing research activities on DGR technology in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Ottawa. In addition, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to participate in international conferences/seminars to present the results of his/her research.

Scholarship: The successful candidate will receive a PhD admission scholarship of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Ottawa (Admission scholarship | University of Ottawa (uottawa.ca).

Requirements: Applicants should possess a Master in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related disciplines. Demonstrated research experience in the areas of constitutive modeling, finite element method and/or multiphysics modeling is required for this position. Applicants should meet the PhD admission criteria of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Ottawa.

Supervision: Prof. M. Fall, Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa

Application deadline: August 31, 2022.

Application procedure: If you are interested in this PhD position, please send your CV and a motivation letter (email message) to Prof. M. Fall (mfall@uottawa.ca) by August 31, 2022.

Applications are welcomed for a 18 months postdoc position in IRSN (Institute of Radiation protection and nuclear safety, France ) to investigate gas migration in natural and swelling clays. Further information on this position can be found in the attached document.