The Geo-Energy Lab at EPFL, led by Prof. Lecampion, has opportunities to pursue a fully funded PhD within the EPFL doctoral program.

The aim of this thesis is to advance the mechanics of fluid-driven fracture. Notably the interaction between fault-slip and tensile hydraulic fracture growth in relation to deep geothermal energy (among other applications). It will combine laboratory experiments with theoretical developments – using both our unique polyaxial apparatus, as well as our numerical modeling tools developed for this class of problems.
Primary goal is to combine distributed fiber optic strain measurement with microseismic monitoring at decimeter scales.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

“Coupled hydro-chemo-mechanical instabilities in geomaterials: laboratory scale experimental analysis of phenomena occurring in CO2 geological sequestration”

The objectives of the research activity will be to reproduce at the laboratory scale the scenarios representative of the interactions between the acidic solution stored in the reservoir rock and the sealing caprock. To this purpose analog materials will be designed which will allow to carry out tests within the loading capacity of BIAX (about 1.5 MPa) being representative of the response of real shale-like geomaterials under in-situ loading conditions (hundred of MPa).
The scientific program should respect the following itemized list of tasks
– developing the experimental campaign based on oedometer tests, during the secondment period at Strathclyde University (UK);
– calibrating the upgraded experimental apparatus;
– exploiting the experimental protocol relative to the campaign to be conducted together with a Post-Doc researcher

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

PhD scholarship at Laboratoire de Mécanique et de Génie Civil (LMGC), Université de Montpellier, France.
This thesis is about the numerical and experimental investigation of the micromechanical phenomena involved in the generation of waves by the collapse of a granular mass into a body of water.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

Permafrost underlies a quarter of the Northern Hemisphere and is thawing rapidly due to global warming. This has major consequences for ecosystems, water resources, infrastructure stability and long-term economic costs. Anticipating these changes through numerical modelling is essential for supporting resilient Arctic environments and communities.

The PERMACHANGE project is developing a site-scale hybrid digital twin of permafrost, combining high-performance computing, hybrid modelling and machine-learning-based soil mechanics surrogate models. This approach enables efficient, high-fidelity simulations of subsurface heat and water transfer, as well as terrain stability, under thawing conditions.

This PhD aims at adding soil mechanics (M) simulation capabilities to the TH hybrid twin. The detailed objectives are: (1) simulating the effect of temperature change on geotechnical infrastructures, and (2) building a mechanical surrogate model.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

In geological sequestration, CO2 is injected in liquid form, but it transforms into a supercritical fluid (scCO2). Having density lower than the aqueous brine, initially saturating the reservoir rock, scCO2 tends to buoy through it, in continuous contact with the brine, and therefore to accumulate below the
caprock.
Significant contributions in the literature have been focused on the study of the response of the reservoir rock to CO2 injection, however less results are available concerning the direct interaction between the acidified solution stored in the aquifer and the caprock.
The objectives of the research activity will be to reproduce at the laboratory scale scenarios representative of the interactions between the acidic solution stored in the reservoir rock and the sealing caprock.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

The Laboratoire 3SR is encouraging excellent candidates to apply for a 3-year PhD position in Geomechanics starting in September 2026. The PhD project aims to improve the understanding of initiation and evolution of failure by localized deformation around underground excavations in heterogeneous and anisotropic porous rocks, a key issue for the stability and integrity of deep boreholes and galleries in the context of the energy transition. This PhD research will investigate, through combined advanced experimental and numerical approaches, the mechanisms of localized deformation around boreholes in heterogeneous and anisotropic sedimentary rocks, under true triaxial stress paths representative of in-situ conditions.

The work will be supervised by Pierre Bésuelle (senior researcher, CNRS), Cyrille Couture (associate professor, UGA) and Vincent Richefeu (associate professor, HDR, UGA).

For further information, see the attached PDF.

Deadline for applications is 1st March 2026.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

We are pleased to announce an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow at Wuhan University, focusing on Computational Geomechanics or Data-Physics Fusion Simulation. The position offers an initial two-year contract, with a possible extension for exceptional performers.
Candidates should hold a PhD in Geotechnical, Geological, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related field) obtained within the last three years, or be ready for their thesis defense.
Candidates should possess strong expertise in numerical simulation and computational mechanics, and with a research background in geomechanics. Knowledge of deep learning is a plus. We provide a well-funded, vibrant research environment with a competitive annual salary of 300,000 to 400,000 RMB (approximately 36,000 to 48,000 euros).
How to apply: Please send your CV to Prof. Wang Luyu (luyu.wang@whu.edu.cn, Web: http://jszy.whu.edu.cn/wangluyu/en/index.htm).
For more details, please refer to the attached PDF file.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

The PhD candidate should be an international student. He or she will be jointly supervised by both institutions. The candidate will pursue a PhD degree from Shandong University, and, if specific requirements are met, a double degree from Ghent University is also possible.
During the program, the student will spend 6–18 months at Ghent University as a joint PhD
researcher, conducting experimental testing, CT image analysis, and joint publications under
co-supervision.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

We are pleased to announce a fully funded PhD position at University Grenoble Alpes and CNRS (France) supported by the “Laboratoire d’Excellence Tec21” and European MSCA COFUND programme.
The PhD is dedicated to the analysis of the ductile-to-brittle behaviour transition in snow through X-ray tomography.

You will find detailed information about the PhD project in the attached document. Application details are also available here:
https://www.tecxxi.fr/phd-tec21/#about

Deadline for applications is 28 February 2026. Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification by the application deadline and must NOT have resided in France for more than 12 months during the last 3 years.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

School of Civil Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland, invites applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD position in Geotechnical Engineering, starting in September 2026. The project will investigate the long-term performance of marine sediments improved through bio-mediated (biochemical) processes, with relevance to offshore renewable energy foundations and subsea infrastructure.

Supervisors: Dr Budi Zhao and Prof. Shane Donohue (Co-supervisor).

EU and non-EU applicants are welcome.

The scholarship provides a €25,000 annual stipend plus full tuition fee coverage (subject to satisfactory progress).

To apply, email one combined PDF (CV, transcript, contact details for two referees) to budi.zhao@ucd.ie with subject “PhD Application – [Your Name]”.

Application deadline: 1 February 2026.

Full details and application instructions are provided in the attached PDF.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].