PhD Student in Hydrology, focus on coupled geohydromechanical processes - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Earth Sciences is one of the most complete such academic departments in Europe. Our research focuses on subjects that range from the Earth’s core to the atmosphere, on scales from sub-microscopic structures in minerals to the formation of mountains and oceans. We have teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels. Our courses offer a wide range within the geoscience area and several of the department's programs have received the highest rating in evaluations by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education and the Swedish Higher Education Authority. 

The successful candidate will join the research program Air, Water and Landscape Sciences (LUVAL) and the research group in Geohydrology.

Duties/Project description: This PhD project will have a focus on developing models for flow and transport in fractured rocks, in particular considering the coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) effects and their validation against experiments, as well as analyzing the implications for long-term safety assessment of deep geologic repositories, including related uncertainties.

The research will be done in the context of the international DECOVALEX project, a large international research collaboration with the objective to advance the understanding and modeling of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in geological systems. Prediction of these coupled effects is an essential part of the performance and safety assessment of geologic disposal systems for radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, and also for a range of other sub-surface engineering activities. This large international research collaboration has partners from France, Germany, USA, Canada, Japan, Korea, China, Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Taiwan, Czech Republic and Sweden.

Requirements: The applicant should have MSc in hydrology/geohydrology/geophysics/rock mechanics/physics or a comparable degree in civil engineering/earth sciences. General entry requirement, i.e. a degree at advanced level (Master's level) or fulfill the requirements for courses comprising of at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits are at advanced level  (Master's level) or the equivalent. The successful candidate should have a solid base in mathematics and physics as well as knowledge of computer simulations.

Additional qualifications: Previous experience in numerical/mathematical modeling is a merit.

Application: The application should include a cover letter of max 2 pages, shortly describing your personal motivation for applying for this PhD position and how you see your role in contributing to the project, as well as your relevant skills, qualifications and research interests. The application should also include a CV, copies of relevant exams, degrees and grades, MSc thesis and other relevant documents, including contact details of two referees.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.

Starting date: 01-09-2021 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Professor Auli Niemi, tel +46 709 10 8887, e-mail: auli.niemi@geo.uu.se.  

Please submit your application by 2 August 2021, UFV-PA 2021/2681.

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