PhD position

The Laboratory of Soil Mechanics (LMS) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, EPFL, Lausanne, is seeking a Ph.D. student to support the development of innovative tools for the design, operation, and monitoring of CO2 sequestration sites. The focus of the project is on developing numerical software for the analysis of subsurface processes.

LMS is a research lab directed by Prof. Lyesse Laloui and dedicated to developing and utilizing the very latest approaches in research, education, and technology transfer to ensure our global society and the environment have the tools and technology needed to adapt and thrive in the 21st century.

CO2 geological sequestration is a promising technique to provide negative gas emissions during the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources. Safe and permanent storage of CO2 requires a thorough understanding of subsurface processes that contribute to the long-term capture of CO2. Physically-based thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical (THMC) models are necessary for the assessment of safe CO2 injecting rates, the geomechanical response of the reservoir, and the interaction of CO2 with subsurface fluids and minerals for sequestration.

The Ph.D. thesis will further advance on the development of numerical models focusing on one or several of the following topics: (i) Increased computational efficiency of computer codes (ii) Development of advanced multiphase flow models (iii) Incorporation of chemical phenomena in THM codes and (iv) Development of numerically-assisted monitoring methods for safety assessment of CO2 sequestration sites. For this, the candidate will have the opportunity to build upon previous work developed at LMS, and benefit from access to high-quality resources.

The outcomes are expected to support the design, operation, and monitoring of CO2 sequestration projects, offering innovative solutions that can improve the accuracy and efficiency of subsurface modeling.

For this, we are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a Master’s degree in civil engineering and a strong interest in geomechanics and subsurface modeling.

Your profile:
  • You have a background in continuum mechanics and ideally in porous media or soil mechanics (e.g., an MSc degree in civil engineering).
  • You have excellent analytical skills and knowledge of at least one programming language (such as Python, MATLAB, Fortran, C++).
  • You are enthusiastic, ambitious, and with a strong interest in geomechanics.
  • Proficient in oral and written English.
We offer:
  • The opportunity to work on an innovative project with a strong societal impact in a top-ranked engineering school.
  •    As an EPFL employee, you will work in a stimulating, dynamic, and interdisciplinary environment.
  • EPFL is an equal-opportunity employer. We offer a competitive salary.
More information can be found at the following websites:

https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lms/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-laloui-group/

Starting date:

As soon as possible

Term of employment:

Fixed-term (CDD)

Duration:

3 to 4 years.

Contact:

Please send an email with the subject line “Ph.D. application – CO2 sequestration project” including your motivation letter and your CV to [email protected].

Applications will be evaluated until the position is filled.