Publisher
source

Université Grenoble Alpes

PhD Position in Multiscale Hydromechanics of Root Growth in Soils Université Grenoble Alpes in France

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Available

Deadline

Expired

Country flag

Country

France

University

Université Grenoble Alpes

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Agriculture
Mechanical Engineering
Biophysics
Biology
Agricultural Engineering
Numerical Analysis
Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics
X-ray Imaging
Hydraulic Engineering
Geomechanics
3d Imaging
Multiphysics Simulation
Continuum Mechanics
Robotics
Maritime Transportation
Plant Growth
Discrete Element
Plant-soil Interaction
Physics
Finite Element Analysis

About this position

This PhD position at Université Grenoble Alpes focuses on the multiscale hydromechanics of root growth in soils, exploring the complex interactions between plant roots and their surrounding soil environment. The project aims to bridge the gap between biophysics, soil mechanics, and water transfer by developing a unified multiscale and multiphysics modelling framework. The research will be conducted jointly at the 3SR laboratory (Geomechanics group) and the LIPhy laboratory (MC2 group), both located on the Grenoble campus.

The 3SR group specializes in hydro-mechanics and micro-mechanics of soils, granular and porous media, and advanced 3D imaging techniques, while the LIPhy group brings expertise in the biophysics of living systems and the dynamics of cell and tissue growth. The PhD student will collaborate closely with five researchers from these labs and benefit from a supportive, interdisciplinary environment. The project is part of the PhD@Tec21 Programme, co-funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND actions, and offers a structured training and networking experience, including potential secondments at international partner institutions.

Research will focus on two main axes: (1) the dynamics of water transport from soil to root, including the effects of mucilage secretion and the extension of poromechanical models to account for water uptake; and (2) the multiscale mechanical interactions between roots and soil, modelling how cell-level growth processes influence root elongation and soil deformation. The work will involve advanced numerical simulations (FEM, DEM), analytical modelling, and validation using 4D X-ray and neutron tomography data. Applications span sustainable agriculture, civil engineering (bio-inspired soil stabilization), and robotics (soil-penetrating robots).

The position offers a 36-month full-time contract with a competitive salary, full social security, health insurance, and support for visa and registration fees. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in a relevant field, strong skills in mechanics, numerical methods, and interdisciplinary research, and a willingness to engage with both physical and biological sciences. The application deadline is February 28, 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the PhD@Tec21 website or contact the management board.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants must hold a Master's degree at the time of application. A strong background in one or more of the following fields is required: continuum mechanics, multiphysics coupling, geomechanics/soil mechanics, biophysics, or biomechanics. Experience with numerical methods such as FEM, MPM, or DEM, and the ability to perform analytical developments in continuum mechanics or physics are expected. Skills in 3D imaging and quantitative image analysis are desirable. Candidates should demonstrate curiosity, autonomy, initiative, and strong communication skills to work in an interdisciplinary team.

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Professors

at Université Grenoble Alpes

University Name
Country flag

France

Research Interests

Agricultural Engineering

Geomechanics

Physics

Civil Engineering

Multiphysics Simulation

Dr. at Université Grenoble Alpes

University Name
Country flag

France

Research Interests

Agricultural Engineering

Hydraulic Engineering

Civil Engineering

Biophysics

Robotics

at Université Grenoble Alpes

University Name
Country flag

France

Research Interests

Agricultural Engineering

Environmental Science

Geomechanics

Multiphysics Simulation

3d Imaging

Dr. at Université Grenoble Alpes

University Name
Country flag

France

Research Interests

Agricultural Engineering

Civil Engineering

Multiphysics Simulation

Plant Growth

Mechanical Engineering

at Université Grenoble Alpes

University Name
Country flag

France

Research Interests

Petrophysics

Agricultural Engineering

Hydraulic Engineering

3d Imaging

Civil Engineering