Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD position at Aarhus University, Denmark, on the mechanical behaviour of fissured high-plasticity stiff clays. The project aims to improve our understanding of how fissures, anisotropy and soil structure govern stiffness, strength and progressive failure in natural clays. The research combines advanced laboratory testing with constitutive modelling to establish a micro-to-macro understanding of soil behaviour and develop physics-based constitutive models for improved prediction of landslides and climate-induced ground movements. We welcome applicants with a strong background in geotechnical engineering, advanced soil mechanics and geomaterial testing. Application deadline: 20 August 2026.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

The Department of Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Kassel offers a PhD position.
The aim of the project is to expand an existing comprehensive database on the load-bearing behaviour of piled rafts to develop approximate approaches for estimating average settlement, the piled raft coefficient, and position-dependent pile spring stiffnesses, which can be used in the preliminary design. The database contains results of extensive 3D Finite Element Analysis and field measurements on real foundations. Methods of machine learning will be used to develop these approximate approaches.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

The LTDS/ENTPE (CNRS UMR 5513) and the French Centre for Tunnel Studies (CETU) are offering a postdoctoral position in geotechnical engineering and underground construction on the following topic:
“Impact of Pore Pressure Variations Induced by Pressurised Tunnel Boring Machines on Neighbouring Structures: Field Data Analysis and Numerical Modelling With Artificial Intelligence Tools.”

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

Dear Colleagues,

We are seeking highly motivated PhD candidates to join the Laboratory for Multiscale Geomechanics in the Department of Civil Engineering at McMaster University, Canada. Two fully funded PhD positions are available, with preferred start dates in January or September 2027.

Potential research topics include large-deformation modeling of geostructures, thermo-hydro-mechanical modeling of geomaterials across spatial scales, and small-scale simulations of porous multiphase materials.

Applications are encouraged from outstanding students with backgrounds in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related fields who have strong preparation in mechanics, numerical methods, or computational modelling. Prior geomechanics experience is welcome but not required. Experience implementing numerical methods such as FEM, DEM, MPM, SPH, or molecular dynamics (MD) is beneficial but not required.

For further information, see the attached PDF.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

Dear Colleagues,

As part of the EURAD-2 project, we are seeking a post-doctoral researcher to develop advanced numerical models for gas migration in clay-based materials, with a focus on coupled hydro-mechanical processes, heterogeneity and uncertainty quantification.

DL for applications: 29 July 2026

More information: https://careers.tudelft.nl/job/Delft-Post-Doctoral-Researcher-in-Computational-Geomechanics-of-Gas-Migration-in-Clays-2628-CD/1363993857/