The geotechnical engineering group at the University of Sheffield is recruiting a postdoc for the funded project, “Rooting for Resilience – Forests as Physical Barriers to Landslide Runout”, on a 3-year contract. This project aims to develop a framework for assessing the capacity of forests to mitigate landslide hazards, particularly focusing on the interaction between landslides and trees, including the effects of tree failure and woody debris. The research integrates numerical modelling, laboratory experiments, and case studies to guide reforestation strategies for landslide hazard reduction.

More details and applications through the site:
https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DLG332/research-associate-in-geohazards

For more information, feel free to contact Alessandro Leonardi at a.leonardi@sheffield.ac.uk.

Project title: Development of a new and original 3D finite element model to study the thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of multiphase porous materials, with application to the simulation of the initiation, propagation and deposition of landslides, including catastrophic landslides.

Supervision: Professor Lorenzo Sanavia, University of Padua, Italy; lorenzo.sanavia@unipd.it
Host institution: University of Padua, Italy

Grant: 24 months, gross remuneration of 24,589 Euro per annum.

Call deadline: January 7th, 2025 (at 15:00 CET).

Work plan:

1) Implementation of the non-isothermal elasto-plastic and multiphase porous media model available in the finite element code COMES-GEO (UniPD) into the open-source code KRATOS (CIMNE). The porous media model, based on the Hybrid Mixture Theory, allows for the description of the multiphase and multiphysics nature of porous materials and the interactions present between the phases (solid, liquid, and gaseous).
2) Validation of the implementation using test cases.
3) Numerical simulation of two experimental tests performed with SHIVA (Slow to High Velocity Apparatus) at INGV (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology) in Rome on Vajont clays and comparison between experimental and numerical results.
4) Link of COMES-GEO with KRATOS.
5) Application (back-analysis) to the study of the thermo-hydro-mechanical conditions of initiation and propagation of the catastrophic Vajont landslide (October 9, 1963).

The activity will be carried out, primarily, at the Centre for Studies on Climate Change Impacts CRITICAL of the University of Padua located in Rovigo (Italy).

Knowledge of programming in at least two of the three languages is required: Fortran, C++ and Python.

See the attached files (Call with the description of the grant and the Instructions to participate in the call) for more information.

Further info at: lorenzo.sanavia@unipd.it

The Soil Mechanics team at LEMTA (Université de Lorraine, CNRS ) is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher for a 12-month position starting April 1, 2025. The research focuses on the thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical properties of clay-based materials for nuclear waste storage. This includes experimental and numerical studies to understand long-term stability and the effects of environmental conditions on these materials. The description of the position is attached in the PDF.

A fully funded PhD position is available at the University of Sheffield on centrifuge modelling of submarine landslides. The project aims to address the challenges posed by underwater landslides to offshore infrastructure, including subsea power cables, and support renewable energy goals.

The research will be supervised by Alessandro Leonardi and Elisabeth Bowman. It offers full tuition coverage, a tax-free UKRI stipend (£19,237 per annum), a £4,500 research grant for project-related costs, and an industrial placement at Geowynd.

Application deadline: 29 January 2025

More details and application procedure at this link:
https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/building-resilient-offshore-infrastructure-centrifuge-modelling-of-submarine-landslides-c3-5-mac-leonardi/?p178091

Project Overview:
We are seeking a motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our research team for an exciting project focused on foundation underpinning using bio-cementation techniques. This project aims to extend the lifespan of old and historic structures by exploring innovative methods such as Microbially Induced Calcium Precipitation (MICP) and Enzyme-Induced Calcium Precipitation (EICP). Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), the project involves research on bio-cementation for soil stabilization, with a focus on weak soils, cost-effective solutions using low-cost materials, and the development of novel underpinning techniques.

For further information, please see the attached flyer.

About the position
School of Civil Engineering of Shandong University invites applications for a postdoctoral position at Shandong University, China. The research project will focus on green technologies for soil improvement such as vegetation and soil bio-cementation. Different experiments have been developed and performed within the research team of our laboratory on different scales (lab scale with x-ray microtomography, physical models and real scale measurements, etc.). Modelling these phenomena by FEM or DEM based on real X-ray microtomography and in-situ measurements must be performed in this postdoc to understand this phenomenon in different ways and valorize the obtained experimental results. This research project is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China and two leading industrial partners

For further information, please see the attached flyer.

2 year position at Westlake University in Hangzhou China. Competitive salary ranges from 250k to 350k RMB per year, depending on experience. The project is focused on the statistical physics of granular materials interacting with fluids. Researchers with PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Civil or Mechanical Engineering, or related fields are welcome to apply. Experiences in computational methods such as the Discrete Element Method and Computational Fluid Dynamic methods are highly desirable.

Westlake University is a newly formed university with great support from the local government and the private sector. For more information about the Institute please visit its website https://www.en.westlake.edu.cn .

For more information about the research group please visit https://m3.westlake.edu.cn.

If interested, please contact A/Prof Sergio Torres s.torres@westlake.edu.cn

Title:
Experimental Rock Mechanics, Subsurface Fluid Flow, and Well Integrity Postdoctoral Research Associate

Application Link:
LinkedIn Post: https://lnkd.in/g5RcXiKy
LANL Official Posting: https://lnkd.in/g5KZ-VSr

Please also email your materials to Dr. Meng Meng (mengm@lanl.gov)

Description:
What You Will Do

The Fractured Earth Laboratory in the Energy and Natural Resources Security (EES-16) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is excited to announce one opening for Postdoctoral Research Associates. Successful candidates will join a diverse team of scientists who are working to address critical earth science challenges related to energy, the environment, and national security. Specific research topics related to this opportunity include: (1) high pressure high temperature rock mechanics assembly design and operation; (2) cement and well integrity evaluation using acoustic tools under simulated geothermal conditions; and (3) Subsurface fluid flow across fractures.

As a member of our interdisciplinary team, which includes experts in rock mechanics, fluid flow, well integrity, geophysics, geochemistry, the candidate will be at the forefront of developing innovative experimental and modeling methodologies to support finding challenges in energy, the environment, and national security. Our facilities for this work include novel equipment such as our large customized high-temperature high-pressure (HTHP) quad-pore triaxial system, HTHP microfluidic system, triaxial core-flood system with integrated X-ray, fiber optic system based on Fiber Brag gratings (FBGs), fiber optic system based on Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) for distributed strain and temperature sensing, HTHP cement curing vessels and calorimeters, HTHP rheometer, and Parr reactors. Our modeling tools include poro-elastic models, FEM, FDEM, and more.

Our top research goal is to assist with the global transition to zero-carbon energy. The successful candidate is expected to publish results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present their work at conferences. The position is for a two-year term, with the option to extend a third year based on performance and funding availability. Non-US citizens and US citizens are both welcome and encouraged to apply.

We are currently accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in experimental soil behavior with application to tunnel design and construction, urban excavations, horizontal directional drilling and ground improvement. The successful candidate will work within the Center for Underground at Colorado School of Mines where we explore behavior of geomaterials (soils, soft rock, transitional materials) in complex civil underground environments, advance new testing equipment and methods, and seek to characterize the behavior of geomaterials during construction. The full-time position is initially for two years with possibility for advancement to the title of Assistant Research Professor. The position will ideally begin January 1, 2025 or shortly thereafter.

The successful candidate should have:

• A PhD in a related field, e.g., geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, soil physics, mechanical engineering, underground engineering, mining engineering. Note that consideration will be given to post-Masters candidates with extensive laboratory experience.
• Experience in the conduct of detailed testing of geomaterials.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out self-directed research.
• Ability to mentor research students.
• A record of strong written and oral communication skills.

The selected postdoctoral researcher will work with Professor Mike Mooney and will interact with numerous students across multiple disciplines in the Center for Underground.

To be considered for this position, please send a detailed CV, a cover email detailing your experience and how it will qualifies you for this opportunity, 1-3 recent publications and contact information for three professional references to Professor Mike Mooney (mmooney@mines.edu). The review of applications will begin December 1, 2024 and will continue until the postdoctoral position is filled. Please feel free to contact Mike for more information.

We are currently accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the area of digital subsurface modeling within the Center for Underground at Colorado School of Mines. The full-time position is initially for two years with the possibility for advancement to the title of Assistant Research Professor. The position will ideally begin January 1, 2025 or soon thereafter.

The research involves: (1) digital 3D ground model development (geotechnical/geological) from sparse data using advances in data science and AI; (2) the application of uncertainty analysis with value of information and other methodologies to optimally improve ground models through site investigation; (3) the integration of surface geological data with subsurface borehole and geophysics data to develop uncertainty-quantifiable 3D ground models; (4) advancing techniques to translate digital ground models into quantifiable risk models for geotechnical construction, e.g., tunnels, dams, excavations. 

The successful candidate should have:

• A PhD in a related field (civil-geotechnical engineering, geological engineering, geophysics, applied math or statistics, geology, etc.). 
• Experience with site investigation data, ground model development, uncertainty analysis.
• Basic understanding of and interest in data science and AI application.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out self-directed research.
• Ability and interest in mentoring research students.
• A record of strong written and oral communication skills.

The selected researcher will work with Professors Mike Mooney in Civil-Geotechnical Engineering and Gabe Walton in Geological Engineering, and will interact with numerous students across multiple disciplines within the Center for Underground.

To be considered for this position, please send a detailed CV, a cover email detailing your research experience and how it will qualifies you for this opportunity, 1-3 recent publications and contact information for three professional references to Professors Mike Mooney (mmooney@mines.edu) and Gabe Walton (gwalton@mines.edu). The review of applications will begin December 1, 2024 and will continue until the fellowship position is filled. Please feel free to contact Mike or Gabe for more information.