PhD student in Engineering Geology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Introduction
We seek a PhD student for the research project "Quality control of soil stabilisation by electrical imaging". The project is financed by Vinnova, SBUF (the construction industry's organisation for research and development), Swedish Traffic Administration, NCC and PEAB. The project team consists of experts in geophysics, geotechnics and sols stabilisation, and is a collaboration between universities, government agencies and contractors. The PhD student will work with quality control of soil stabilisation through geoelectrical measurements, in direct connection to mixing with binders at three test sites each with one type of stabilisation (lime-cement pillars, jet pillars and mass stabilisation). .

Soil stabilisation is becoming increasingly common for exploitation of areas with poor carrying capacity, as it leads to major economic savings compared to alternative methods It is beneficial from an environmental and sustainability perspective as it minimises transport and saves natural resources. However, there is a great need for better and comprehensive control methods for quality assurance. The control can be divided into two steps, where the first should be in immediate connection with the mixing of binders, to check whether the entire volume has been treated, or if there are zones that require completion. Step two focuses on controlling the growth of stiffness, and cannot be done until sufficient curing has taken place. This project focuses on Step one and is based on electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). In field trials, the method has demonstrated good potential for delimiting the land volume treated with binder from untreated parts. As resistivity changes immediately after mixing of binder, the method could be used to quickly check the result of stabilisation so that complementary measures in zones with insufficient treatment can be taken while personnel and equipment are in place. Time-domain induced polarization (IP), which can be performed simultaneously with ERT, will also be included in the work to determine if the IP method can provide relevant information. Test and verification of the method should be done in different geomaterials and scales, including laboratory measurements and full scale tests for different types of stabilisation. Measurements should be made directly in connection with mixing of binders at three different test sites. Furthermore, method development and adaptation for application will be a key issue, so that the method becomes robust and fast enough.

Work tasks
A a PhD student you will work on testing and optimising geophysical methods of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and induced polarization tomography (IPT) as a tool for quality control of soil stabilisation with cement and lime based binders. The work will chiefly include laboratory and field tests, data collection techniques, signal processing, numerical modeling and visualization.

The main duties of a  doctoralstudent are to devote themselves to their research studies, which include both participation in research projects and third cycle courses. Duties may also include participation in teaching and other work at the department up to a maximum of 20% of the time.

Admission requirements 
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Other requirements:

Good skills of English, spoken and written. A good base in physics, mathematics and statistics. Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in computer programming. Practical skills such as the ability to plan and carry out data collection in the field. Social skills are a necessity to interact with the other participants in the research as well as organisations and industry taking part in the cooperation. Valid driving license.

 Other merits
A background in geology and geophysics is desirable. Knowledge of geotechnics, GIS and inorganic chemistry is an advantage. Skills in written and oral communication in Swedish.

Assessment
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

Knowledge and skills relevant for the thesis and the thesis subject. Ability to work independently and ability to formulate and solve scientific problems. Skills in written and oral communication in Swedish and English Other experience relevant to third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaboration skills, drive and independence as well as how the applicant's skills and experience are deemed to match the capacity needed to succeed with postgraduate education.

Terms
Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. Postgraduate education is four years of full-time studies. If teaching and other departmental work is included employment is extended correspondingly, up to a maximum of 5 years (i.e. max. 20%). Rules regarding the appointment of postgraduate students are in Högskoleförordningen (1998: 80).

Because of requirements associated with industry funding of the position, the studies take place in two stages with a licentiate degree halfway through, where continued funding is conditional on completing a licentiate degree.

Instructions for application
Applications should be written in English. Applications must include a letter of motivation as to why you are interested in the position, and how the research project matches your interests and educational background. The application must also include a CV, diploma or equivalent, and documenation of other background that you wish to refer to (copies of diplomas, contact information for references, recommendation letters, etc.).