PhD student in Hydrology with a focus on Coupled Processes in Crystalline Bedrock Systems

PhD student in Hydrology with a focus on Coupled Processes in Crystalline Bedrock Systems
Are you interested in working with developing conceptual and numerical models of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in crystalline, fractured rock masses, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a PhD student position at Uppsala University.

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

Duties
The PhD project will have a focus on developing conceptual and numerical models of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in crystalline, fractured rock masses with and specifically on applications in order to characterize, predict, and value frost damage in tunnels that are exposed to cyclic frost periods. The model will be verified against analytical solutions and validated against experimental data from field and laboratories. The overarching goal of the study is to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of frost-induced damage and splitting of rockblocks and shotcrete materials in tunnels. In addition to working at Uppsala University, the PhD candidate will have an opportunity to interact closely with the rock engineering industry and collaborate with other PhD students within Swedish Rock Engineering Research Foundation.

Requirements
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in rock mechanics / hydrogeology or a comparable degree in earth sciences / geotechnical engineering / petroleum engineering.
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

Additional qualifications
The successful candidate should have a solid base in mathematics, mechanics and physics as well as knowledge of computer simulations and scientific programming. Previous experience in numerical and mathematical modelling is a merit. Knowledge on MATLAB and C++ is positive. Experiences of a cold climate and hard, crystalline bedrock is useful.

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.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2024-12-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Qinghua Lei, email: qinghua.lei@geo.uu.se

Please submit your application by 23 September 2024, UFV-PA 2024/2859.

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