Doctoral Researcher in Geotechnical Engineering & Monitoring

About us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine.
Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.

Within the frame of the FNR-CORE supported project OPTMONITOR (Optimal Monitoring and Coupled Modeling for Climate-Driven Landslide Risk Detection) at the University of Luxembourg (Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Engineering), a doctoral research project is defined and a PhD student position is open in the COMPSOIL (Computational Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering) research group.

Your role

• Optimize monitoring strategies for predicting climate-driven slope risks
• Shift from expert-driven, semi-random sensor placement to model-based Optimal Experimental Design
• Improve parameter identification, reduce uncertainty, and enable cost-effective risk management
• Integrate advanced coupled modeling with soft computing techniques
• Use metamodeling for global sensitivity analysis
• Apply probabilistic methods, e.g. Monte Carlo, Latin Hypercube sampling, to quantify uncertainty
• Identify influential parameters to support robust monitoring design
• Use two well-monitored landslides as benchmarks
• Develop OED-based workflow including Spatial GSA and statistical methods
• Enhance monitoring accuracy and validate numerical models using field data

The Doctoral researcher will be supervised by Prof. Lavasan, and will be enrolled to the Doctoral School in Sciences and Engineering (DSSE). The supervision will also be supported by I by the postdoc who will be employed in the project at UL. The duration of the project is 4 years.

The PhD candidate will join COMPSOIL, a dynamic and international research environment, benefiting from the University's high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure and opportunities to present work at research seminars and thematic events, building strong skills at the interface of classical geotechnical engineering and modern computational/data-driven methods.

For further questions please contact Prof. Lavasan

Your profile

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related field
• Solid background in soil mechanics and numerical modeling in geotechnics
• Strong skills in data analysis and geomechanics
• Interest in uncertainty quantification/sensitivity analysis/optimization
• Proactive, independent work ethic and ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment

Language Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission - Doctoral Candidates.

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07959

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).