PhD student position in Numerical Modelling in Geotechnics

Information about the division
The division of GeoEngineering at Chalmers consists of three overlapping research groups: Geomechanics & Geotechnical Engineering, Hydrogeology & Rock Engineering, and Risk Management of Land & Water Resources. We are looking for a doctoral student in the Geomechanics & Geotechnical Engineering research group lead by Prof. Minna Karstunen. The group has unique laboratory facilities to study soft geomaterials in climate-controlled conditions and computational facilities incorporating the latest developments for computational work. The main research focus is soil modelling and its applications in engineering practice. Through the recent staff appointments, the group is well on its way to fulfill its ambition to become an internationally leading group in Soft Soil Engineering, by combining the state-of-the-art in experimental testing and modelling with field application.

Major responsibilities
We are looking for a highly motivated and talented individual for a research project on modelling cyclic stress-strain behaviour of structured clays, considering both static and dynamic soil-structure interaction. The aim of the project is to develop a new cyclic creep overlay model for structured soils and applying it to real boundary values problems. This involves constitutive model development, programming and processing of large datasets, as well as 2D and 3D nonlinear finite element analyses. The new model should enable modelling cyclic loading involving tens of thousands of load cycles in an efficient manner, so that the model can be applied to real field cases, such as modelling soil-structure interaction under train/traffic loading. The applicant is also expected to contribute to the education at undergraduate or MSc level and/or other activities within the Division (up to 20% of their time). 

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

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. For this position applicants must have a strong background in structural and geotechnical engineering, with experience in advanced constitutive modelling in the context of 2D and 3D finite elements. You need to be proficient in programming (e.g. Matlab is essential) and able to process large amounts of data. The applicants are expected to be fluent in English (both verbal and written communication) in order to work efficiently in an English speaking research environment. Fluency is Swedish would be an additional merit.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20150171 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.


Application deadline: May 25, 2015

For questions, please contact:
Professor Minna Karstunen
minna.karstunen@chalmers.se
+46 31-772 2144

Associate Professor Jelke Dijkstra
jelke.dijkstra@chalmers.se
+46 31-772 2120


*** 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 eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, 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!