Ph.D. Graduate Student Position Fast, high volume infiltration in the subsurface Faculty of Geosciences Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands Project description: Infiltration of large amounts of freshwater into the shallow subsurface is becoming more and more relevant. Typical applications are artificial recharge to replenish freshwater resources for drinking water supply, seasonal storage of thermal energy, etc. A new method to inject high volumes of freshwater has been recently discovered. We refer to this as Fast, High Volume Injection (FHVI). It allows fast injection of large quantities of water in the subsurface, without a major, undesired impact on the local hydrogeology. The method is extremely valuable for civil engineering applications. However, the underlying physical, hydrogeological and mechanical processes are yet completely unknown. This injection method does not obey the classical hydrogeological laws, and it is currently impossible to model/predict the applicability of the method. To elucidate the underlying processes and to get a grip on modelling FHVI, the Dutch Technology Foundation STW has funded a research project on FHVI involving Utrecht University, Delft University of Technology, FUGRO Geoservices BV, and four drilling companies, i.e. Bouten Nederland BV, Henk van Tongeren BV, Theo van Velzen BV, P.J. de Vet en Zonen Mill BV. The project includes two PhD positions, one at Utrecht University (this vacancy) and one at Delft University of Technology in the Numerical Analysis Group. Moreover, the project includes a postdoc position The PhD student at Utrecht University will be responsible for the experimental research, both in the field and in the laboratory. Large scale field experiments will be conducted, as well as carefully controlled detailed laboratory experiments. Moreover, the candidate will be involved in pore-scale network modelling and averaged scale modelling, in close collaboration with the numerical PhD student at Delft University of Technology. The ultimate goal of this project is to fully understand the mechanisms underlying FHVI and to develop a modelling tool to predict the applicability of FHVI in practice. Qualifications: We are seeking a candidate interested in conducting experiments and in modelling flow and transport processes in porous media. The candidate should be recently graduated from a MSc. program in hydrogeology, physics, civil engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field, with theoretical knowledge of flow and transport processes in the subsurface; strong affinity for multidisciplinary research; talented with excellent analytical and communication skills, and the desire to work in a team consisting of scientists, engineers and people with practical expertise; capacity to write and communicate fluently in both the English and the Dutch language; experience with programming/modelling and affinity to conduct experiments. You will be expected to assist in the teaching programmes of the Department of Earth Sciences for a limited amount of time (~0,1 fte). Terms of employment: You will be offered a full-time PhD position at Utrecht University, at first for one year. Depending on a satisfactory performance this may be extended to a total period of four years, with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period. The first evaluation will take place approximately after six months of employment, the second after nine months. After the nine month evaluation the decision will be made whether an extension of the contract to the maximum period of four years will be offered to the employee. Employment conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities. The gross monthly salary starts at € 2,083.- in the first year and increases to € 2,664.- in the fourth year, and is supplemented by a holiday allowance of 8% per year and a year-end bonus of 8.3% (salary level 1-9-2013). We also offer a pension scheme, a health insurance allowance and flexible employment conditions. Facilities for sports and child care are available on our main campus (where the Department of Earth Sciences is situated), which is located only fifteen minutes away from the historical city center of Utrecht. Further details: Informal enquiries may be sent to Prof. Ruud Schotting: e-mail [email protected]. You may also wish to visit the website of the Utrecht Institute of Earth Sciences: geo.uu.nl/ivau How to apply: Visit geo.uu.nl/vacancies, find the equivalent of this advertisement and fill in the application form. Please, attach your motivation for the position, a statement of your research interests, a curriculum vitae, and the names, positions and e-mail contact addresses of at least two referees. Applications are accepted until the position is filled, but we intend to conduct a first evaluation by July 31, 2014. We aim for a quick review of applicants and seek to appoint by October 1, 2014, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 19:00:01 +0000
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