PhD student position in multiphysics modelling of geostructures in FEniCSx

PhD student position in multiphysics modelling of geostructures in FEniCSx

Become part of an active and diverse research group at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at Chalmers! The Geotechnics Research Group (GRG) offers excellent opportunities to develop your academic skills and international networks, whilst scientifically contributing to the knowledge of micromechanics of natural soft clays.

Information about the division and the research
The Geotechnics Research Group (GRG) in the Division of Geology and Geotechnics (GEO) 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 & 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 hyrdomechanical response of geomaterials in climate-controlled conditions, and computational facilities incorporating the latest software developments for computational work.

We are looking for a highly motivated and talented individual to fill a PhD student position linked with a a research project funded by Formas (Swedish research council), which aims to develop a multi-physics model to assess the impact of climate change on the built environment in terms of stability and ground movements. A major component will be the development of an efficient scalable computational framework for multiphysics modelling of geostructures in FEniCSx, accounting for the spatial heterogeneity of the soil and the probabilistic nature of the environmental loading on its interfaces (atmosphere, lower and upper aquifer). In addition to the main supervisor (Prof. Minna Karstunen), the student is supported by Dr Ayman Abed, Prof. Jelke Dijkstra and Prof. Anders Logg, as well as the development team of  Digital Twin Cities Centre at Chalmers. The project is part of a larger constellation of projects that focus on modelling the impacts of climate change and mitigation measures on geostructures.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility is to pursue your own doctoral studies, which consist of increasingly independent research and taught courses. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing in English. The position also includes contributing to the education at undergraduate or MSc level, as well as other activities within the Division and GRG, corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Qualifications
To to qualify as a PhD student, you must have a Master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 ECTS credits in Civil Engineering or another relevant topic. You need to be numerate, and proficient in programming (e.g. Python, Fortran or C++), and experience in computational modelling and model implementation is an advantage. 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. The position is limited to a maximum of four years.

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

To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10327


Application deadline: 30 April 2022. 

For questions, please contact:
Professor Minna Karstunen Geology and Geotechnics
Email: minna.karstunen@chalmers.se