PhD in Geology

 

We offer a 4-year PhD researcher position within the bilateral cooperation FWO research project “Mechanisms of rockmass instability in co-mining of deep mineral and geothermal energy considering spatio-temporal distribution of stress and temperature”, in collaboration with the Central South University (China).

The PhD researcher will develop the Bayesian Evidential Learning (BEL) framework in order to predict the temperature and mechanical stress fields using Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical (THM) coupled models constrained to direct (borehole) and indirect (passive and active seismic data) data under large geological uncertainty. The approach will be first developed with synthetic cases, then validated on a laboratory analog, and finally tested in real field conditions.

The specific tasks include:

• Develop a THM model for the prediction of temperature and mechanical stresses within the context of deep mines where water is extracted and injected for geothermal energy extraction;
• Incorporate the THM model within the BEL prediction framework;
• Perform a global sensitivity analysis of the involved hydrogeological, thermal and mechanical parameters
• Participate to laboratory and field campaigns (in China);
• Formulate additional research hypotheses and questions;
• Collaborate with (inter)national researcher partners (Central South University and TU Delft);
• Write high quality research manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
• Participate in and represent UGent at project meetings
• Discuss planning and report progress to principal investigators;
• Present research at national and international conferences.
  
  

The PhD student will be based and enrolled at the Department of Geology at Ghent University, and several short research stays at TU Delft are planned. The PhD supervisors will be Prof. Thomas Hermans at Ghent University (UGent), Prof. Longjun Dong (CSU) and Prof. Anne-Catherine Dieudonné and Prof. Alexandros Daniilidis (TU Delft).

Tentative start date: 1 July 2022. The position is initially for one year, but it will be extended to a maximum of four years after positive evaluation. More information about PhD studies at Ghent University can be found here: https://www.ugent.be/en/research/doctoralresearch.

The PhD researcher will work in close collaborations with master and PhD researchers, hired by the Central South University (China).

Job profile

• MSc in Geology, Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, including a course component in geotechnics/rock mechanics or an equivalent degree in related fields pertinent to the research project. MSc degree is required at the start of the appointment, we welcome applications from master students graduating in 2022. For diplomas awarded outside the European Union, a certificate of equivalence (NARIC) must be submitted.
• Experience with numerical modelling tools, especially with thermal and/or mechanical models (as evidenced by a master thesis, project or professional experience)
• Advanced programming skills (Python, Matlab, C++, etc.)
• A keen interest in geothermal energy and geotechnics/rock mechanics
• Willingness to participate to field campaign abroad (China)
• Good organizational and interpersonal skills; a team player.
• Excellent communication skills in English – both orally and written.
• Highly motivated to conduct scientific research.
• Critical and creative.
• Scientific integrity.
• Open minded and taking initiative.
• Passionate scientist, willing to learn new skills and develop excellent research.
• Willing to work in an international context.

How to apply

Application to be submitted electronically in a single PDF file, by e-mail, to Prof. Thomas Hermans (thomas.hermans@ugent.be).
Application should include a CV, a motivation letter and an overview of study results (transcript of records), as well as the contact details of two reference persons.
All applications will be assessed after the deadline and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a remote interview, which will likely take place in the second half of April.
If no candidate is selected, a new application round will be organized.