In geological sequestration, CO2 is injected in liquid form, but it transforms into a supercritical fluid (scCO2). Having density lower than the aqueous brine, initially saturating the reservoir rock, scCO2 tends to buoy through it, in continuous contact with the brine, and therefore to accumulate below the
caprock.
Significant contributions in the literature have been focused on the study of the response of the reservoir rock to CO2 injection, however less results are available concerning the direct interaction between the acidified solution stored in the aquifer and the caprock.
The objectives of the research activity will be to reproduce at the laboratory scale scenarios representative of the interactions between the acidic solution stored in the reservoir rock and the sealing caprock.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

The Laboratoire 3SR is encouraging excellent candidates to apply for a 3-year PhD position in Geomechanics starting in September 2026. The PhD project aims to improve the understanding of initiation and evolution of failure by localized deformation around underground excavations in heterogeneous and anisotropic porous rocks, a key issue for the stability and integrity of deep boreholes and galleries in the context of the energy transition. This PhD research will investigate, through combined advanced experimental and numerical approaches, the mechanisms of localized deformation around boreholes in heterogeneous and anisotropic sedimentary rocks, under true triaxial stress paths representative of in-situ conditions.

The work will be supervised by Pierre Bésuelle (senior researcher, CNRS), Cyrille Couture (associate professor, UGA) and Vincent Richefeu (associate professor, HDR, UGA).

For further information, see the attached PDF.

Deadline for applications is 1st March 2026.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

We are pleased to announce an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow at Wuhan University, focusing on Computational Geomechanics or Data-Physics Fusion Simulation. The position offers an initial two-year contract, with a possible extension for exceptional performers.
Candidates should hold a PhD in Geotechnical, Geological, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related field) obtained within the last three years, or be ready for their thesis defense.
Candidates should possess strong expertise in numerical simulation and computational mechanics, and with a research background in geomechanics. Knowledge of deep learning is a plus. We provide a well-funded, vibrant research environment with a competitive annual salary of 300,000 to 400,000 RMB (approximately 36,000 to 48,000 euros).
How to apply: Please send your CV to Prof. Wang Luyu (luyu.wang@whu.edu.cn, Web: http://jszy.whu.edu.cn/wangluyu/en/index.htm).
For more details, please refer to the attached PDF file.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

The PhD candidate should be an international student. He or she will be jointly supervised by both institutions. The candidate will pursue a PhD degree from Shandong University, and, if specific requirements are met, a double degree from Ghent University is also possible.
During the program, the student will spend 6–18 months at Ghent University as a joint PhD
researcher, conducting experimental testing, CT image analysis, and joint publications under
co-supervision.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

INRAE is recruiting: a vacancy for a researcher position at IGE (Grenoble, France) should open up soon!

This vacancy may be of interest to members of the list who hold a PhD.

The IGE research unit (Institute for Environmental Geosciences), located in Grenoble (France), will soon be offering a permanent position for a research fellow in mechanics of cryospheric materials (snow, ice, rock permafrost, etc.) with the following objectives:
–develop experiments and innovative measurements in the lab and in the field,
–elucidate multi-physics and multi-scale couplings from the microstructure to the field scale,
–enrich the modeling of instability and gravitational flow processes in the context of climate change.

To apply, visit the INRAE Jobs website from the end of January 2026. And to receive an email notification on the day, you can create a job alert in three clicks!

School of Civil Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland, invites applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD position in Geotechnical Engineering, starting in September 2026. The project will investigate the long-term performance of marine sediments improved through bio-mediated (biochemical) processes, with relevance to offshore renewable energy foundations and subsea infrastructure.

Supervisors: Dr Budi Zhao and Prof. Shane Donohue (Co-supervisor).

EU and non-EU applicants are welcome.

The scholarship provides a €25,000 annual stipend plus full tuition fee coverage (subject to satisfactory progress).

To apply, email one combined PDF (CV, transcript, contact details for two referees) to budi.zhao@ucd.ie with subject “PhD Application – [Your Name]”.

Application deadline: 1 February 2026.

Full details and application instructions are provided in the attached PDF.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].