Doctoral student in Geotechnical Engineering with focus on Dynamic analysis

Description of the workplace

The Division of Geotechnical Engineering, at the Department of Construction Sciences, offers a collaborative work environment and committed employees. We have a strong focus on good teaching and leading research and we have access to equipment for advanced computer calculations and experimental measurements. You will work in a group of researchers who are motivated by understanding and solving societal challenges. We are motivated by developing new knowledge that contributes to solutions to engineering problems.

Doctoral studies provide an opportunity to become an expert in a research area and to learn good research methodology and forms the basis for a continued career in research and development, in academia or industry. 

Subject description

Geotechnical Engineering deals with mechanics of soils and rocks with technical applications and includes numerical methods as well as experimental characterization. 

The subject of the position is within the research areas of soil dynamics, structural dynamics and numerical vibration analysis, areas that lie within geotechnical engineering and structural mechanics.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The position concerns research in dynamics and wave propagation, applied to installation of steel sheet piles in the ground. The research work includes development of numerical methods and models for analysis of vibrations and dynamic response with particular interest in stop criteria for cases when blocks are encountered during installation. Experimental investigations will be performed for model verification purposes.

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• 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.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Geotechnical Engineering if the applicant has: 

• at least 90 credits in subjects of relevance to the field including at least 75 second-cycle credits and a second-cycle degree project of at least 30 credits in the field, or
• a second-cycle degree in a relevant field.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria

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: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. 
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. 
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.
    

Other assessment criteria:

• Experience in developing numerical models for dynamic analysis and wave propagation. Good practical and theoretical knowledge of the finite element method is of particular interest. 
• Knowledge in geotechnical engineering and structural mechanics.
• Experience in experimental investigations both in laboratory and in the field.
   

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

We welcome your application!