PhD student in Hydrology with a focus on Coupled Processes in Crystalline Bedrock Systems
202100-2932
Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces.
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”
Energy, Resources and the Environment (ERE)
Hydrological Sciences (HS)
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.
Submit your application through Uppsala University’s recruitment system
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