Doctoral Researcher in Geotechnical Engineering & Monitoring

The University of Luxembourg, a leading international research university, is offering a PhD position for a Doctoral Researcher in Geotechnical Engineering & Monitoring within the Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM). The position is part of the FNR-CORE supported OPTMONITOR project, focusing on optimal monitoring and coupled modeling for climate-driven landslide risk detection. The successful candidate will join the COMPSOIL research group, which specializes in computational soil mechanics and foundation engineering, and benefit from a dynamic, international environment with access to high-performance computing infrastructure. The doctoral project aims to optimize monitoring strategies for predicting climate-driven slope risks, shifting from traditional expert-driven sensor placement to model-based Optimal Experimental Design (OED). The research will involve improving parameter identification, reducing uncertainty, and enabling cost-effective risk management by integrating advanced coupled modeling with soft computing techniques. Key tasks include metamodeling for global sensitivity analysis, applying probabilistic methods such as Monte Carlo and Latin Hypercube sampling, and identifying influential parameters to support robust monitoring design. Two well-monitored landslides will serve as benchmarks, and the candidate will develop an OED-based workflow incorporating spatial GSA and statistical methods to enhance monitoring accuracy and validate numerical models using field data. Supervision will be provided by Professor Lavasan, with additional support from a postdoctoral researcher employed in the project. The PhD student will be enrolled in the Doctoral School in Sciences and Engineering (DSSE) and will have opportunities to present their work at research seminars and thematic events, building strong skills at the interface of classical geotechnical engineering and modern computational/data-driven methods. Applicants must have a Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field, with a solid background in soil mechanics and numerical modeling. Strong skills in data analysis and geomechanics, as well as an interest in uncertainty quantification, sensitivity analysis, and optimization, are essential. Candidates should demonstrate a proactive, independent work ethic and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment. Language requirements include at least B2-level proficiency in the language of the thesis, with accepted certificates as specified by the university. The University of Luxembourg offers a modern, multilingual, and international atmosphere, with staff from over 90 countries and close ties to the business world and Luxembourg labour market. The position is based at the Kirchberg Campus and is offered as a fixed-term contract for 36 months, full-time (40 hours per week). The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the University of Luxembourg is EUR 41976. To apply, candidates should submit their application online through the University of Luxembourg HR system, including a CV, cover letter, and transcripts. Early application is encouraged, as applications are processed upon reception. The university promotes an inclusive culture and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.