PhD student position in experimental geomechanics: fixing clay with clay

Become part of an active and diverse research group at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at Chalmers, Sweden, that offers excellent opportunities to develop your academic skills and international networks, whilst scientifically contributing to the next generation of ground improvement for soft soils.

Information about the research
The Geotechnics Research Group (GRG) in the Division of Geology and Geotechnics (GEO) primarily focuses on modelling and characterisation of complex geomaterials, such as natural and stabilised soils. The research activities aim to bridge fundamental understanding and advanced modelling and testing capabilities with application in engineering practice. GRG has the ambition to become an internationally leading group that pursues the state-of-the-art in experimental testing and modelling at laboratory and field scale. The group has unique laboratory facilities to study the hydromechanical response of geomaterials in climate-controlled conditions, and computational facilities incorporating the latest in-house software developments for computational work.

We are looking for a highly motivated and talented individual to fill a PhD student position linked with a research project funded by Formas (Swedish research council). The project will focus on the development of calcined clays as supplementary cementitious material for ground improvement (mass stabilisation, deep mixing). The project is conceived as an experimental PhD in which the fundamental response at the material science scale and engineering scale will be probed. In addition to the main supervisor (Prof. Jelke Dijkstra) at GEO, Dr Arezou Baba-Ahmadi at the Division of Building Technology will co-supervise the project with her expertise on concrete science. The project will be embedded in a larger constellation of projects at the department that focus on ground improvement and sustainable materials in Civil Engineering.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to up to 20 per cent of working hours.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Civil Engineering or another relevant topic. You need to be numerate, and proficiency in programming (e.g. Python) and the ability to process large amounts of data in an automated manner is an advantage. Experience on experimental work at laboratory or field scale is meritorious. 

We are looking for a persistent and creative person with a problem-solving analytical ability. You are quality conscious and self-propelled.

The applicants are expected to be fluent in English (both verbal and written communication) in order to work efficiently in a mainly English speaking research environment. Fluency in Swedish would be an additional merit. 

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. This is a 5 year PhD project.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220033 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 15 March 2022. 

Learn more and apply here:
https://www.chalmers.se/sv/om-chalmers/Arbeta-pa-Chalmers/lediga-tjanster/Sidor/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10179&rmlang=SE



*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!