PhD Scholarship in Hydrogeology of Fractured Bedrock for Safe Waste Storage
Join the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) for a PhD scholarship focused on the hydrogeology of fractured bedrock and safe waste storage. This three-year position is part of the earthresQue project, funded by the Research Council of Norway, aiming to develop science-based solutions for long-term storage of contaminated materials and improve landfill safety for future generations.
Modern landfill sites are engineered to protect groundwater and air quality, but practices vary. Your research will help characterize and evaluate geological barriers, using numerical flow and reactive transport models to assess their effectiveness in waste containment. The project involves parametrisation and validation based on subsurface stratigraphy, fracture zones, hydraulic properties, and groundwater level data. You will apply modelling approaches to represent fractured bedrock, evaluate flow and solute transport pathways, and understand seasonal dynamics and long-term hydrological trends. Quantifying uncertainties related to fracture connectivity and subsurface flow is a key aspect, with model outputs supporting improved site assessments and safety evaluations.
As a PhD candidate, you will collaborate with hydrogeologists, geologists, and geophysicists from NMBU, NGI, NIBIO, and industry partners. Experienced researchers across earthresQue will guide you throughout the project. The position includes integrating field observations with numerical modelling, conducting literature reviews on groundwater flow in fractured rock, and using tools such as COMSOL and FeFlow. You will build a multilayered 3D digital twin from quality-checked datasets, run scenarios to improve understanding of flow and transport pathways, and demonstrate the usefulness of Deposit Information Model (DIM) for landfill design and monitoring. Scientific manuscript preparation and conference presentations are expected.
Applicants must have a master’s degree in geosciences (geology, hydrogeology, geophysics, geochemistry, environmental engineering, or related fields), a strong academic background (120 ECTS credits at master's level), a master's thesis of at least 30 ECTS credits, and an average grade of B or above. Proficiency in written and oral English is required. Experience with numerical groundwater flow and transport modelling is essential. Additional advantages include familiarity with fractured-rock hydrogeology, ability to interpret multi-disciplinary datasets, quantitative analysis skills, experience with large datasets and tools like R or GIS, and knowledge of geochemistry or Scandinavian language.
The position offers an annual salary of NOK 550,800, is temporary for three years, and requires admission to the PhD program at NMBU. Employment follows national guidelines for PhD scholars. The faculty is a vibrant research environment with about 200 employees, 90 PhD students, and 650 students, focusing on geology, hydrology, soil science, environmental chemistry, forestry, ecology, and natural resource management.
To apply, submit your application electronically via the provided link. Register an account, complete the online form, and attach all required documents: motivation letter, CV, certified academic diplomas and transcripts, diploma supplements, and documentation of English proficiency. Applicants invited for interview must present original diplomas and certificates. The application deadline is 15 June 2026.
For questions, contact Professor Helen Kristine French at [email protected]. More information about NMBU and the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management is available at www.nmbu.no.
