Postdoc(s) in Infrastucture Geotechnics

The Geotechnic Research Groups in the Department of Architechture and Civil Engineering (ACE) at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, is looking for Post-Doctoral Researchers in Infrastructure Geotechnics (max. two positions). The applicant(s) is expected to be passionate about introducing the state-of-the-art of modelling and testing of coupled processes (thermo-hydro-mechanical) into geotechnical engineering. The applications include road and railway embankments, slopes and deep excavations, where the coupling of mechanical, hydraulic and thermal response is important. In parallel with research, the applicant(s) is expected to contribute to teaching at undergraduate or Masters level (typically 10% of their time), with focus on Geotechnical Engineering. The position(s) is a temporary research position, fully funded by external research projects.

Information about the research
The Geotechnics Research Group (GRG) at ACE is lead by Prof. Minna Karstunen, and consists currently of ten full-time researchers, supported by two research engineers. The main research focus is geotechnical modelling and its applications in engineering practice, integrating advanced soil testing with model development, implementation and application. Examples of the latter are analyses of slope stability, construction of infrastructure such as embankments, excavations and tunnels, and foundation engineering. The research has strong links with major infrastructure projects in Scandinavia, such as the West Link project in Gothenburg. In addition, the group conducts fundamental research that underpins the more applied research, using physics-based approaches. The group's ambition is to become an internationally leading group in Geotechnical Engineering, with focus on natural geomaterials.

The new GEO lab at ACE (2020) has unique climate-controlled laboratory facilities for soft soil testing and in-house prototype development, as well as computational facilities incorporating the latest developments for computational work. The research operations are complemented by advanced testing for industry, linked to the challenges of major infrastructure projects, such as West Link project and High Speed rail. The laboratory development is supported by well-staffed and equipped mechanical workshop.

-The details of the departmental research activities may be found here.

Major responsibilities
The applicant is expected to contribute to our externally funded research projects in infrastructure geotechnics. These include application of deep mixing under road and railway embankments and bottom support of excavations, natural and man-made slopes etc. where the coupling of mechanical, hydraulic and thermal response and soil-structure interaction is important. The applicant is also expected to engage with industry, to create innovative solutions for major stakeholders. The position(s) is a fixed-term appointment fully funded by external research projects.

Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. The position also includes teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering or a related topic.
- A PhD degree (or about to submit PhD) in geotechnical area; the degree should generally not be older than three years.
- Ability and genuine interest to engage with international research, as evidenced by e.g. publications in international peer reviewed journals and conferences.
- Expertise in constitutive modelling, model implementation, numerical analyses, data processing of heterogeneous monitoring data and/or 3D image data, which she/he can apply in the context of infrastructure geotechnics.
- Desire to engage with in geotechnical engineering education at undergraduate and/or post-graduate level.
- Fluency in English, and willingness to learn Swedish, as necessary for teaching at undergraduate and Master's level.
- Genuine interest in using the state-of the art in research for solving geotechnical problems for relevant stake holders (public bodies, industry).

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

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

More about the application procedure here

Application deadline: 24 May 2020

For questions, please contact:
Minna Karstunen, minna.karstunen@chalmers.se
Jelke Dijkstra, jelke.dijkstra@chalmers.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. ***