Netherlands - Delft University of Technology PhD Position in e-Survey of Peat Deposits » Get Scholarship

Netherlands - Delft University of Technology PhD Position in e-Survey of Peat Deposits

August 20th, 2007

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The Dutch subsurface is notorious for its poor ground conditions and high water table. Its organic layers behave heterogeneously both in space and time, thus posing a huge challenge to ground engineers whose task it is to construct soil structures free of differential settlement or to guarantee the long-term stability of secondary dikes.

We propose to measure the electric conductivity and chargeability of peaty soils in a prototype impedance oedometer at low frequencies and to relate their electric properties to their index properties (organic content, degree of humification, for example) and their geomechanical properties (permeability, strength and deformability) at different stages of consolidation and under various degrees of humidity.

Our research will lead to the modelling of the electrokinetics taking place in organic soils due to the application and interruption of an electric current. It will open up the possibility to conduct multi-frequency electric and electromagnetic surveys to characterize the 3D distribution of peat deposits and their variability in terms of geomechanical parameters.

The project is supported by Research Centre Delft Earth (www.earth.tudelft.nl).

Requirements
University Graduate
Applicants should have a MSc degree in the field of (Applied) Earth Sciences or Civil Engineering with a geophysics, geo-engineering or geo-environmental engineering background and a vivid interest in experimental research in connection with theoretical developments. Very good experimental skills are essential.

Delft University of Technology is a bilingual organization. A good command of the English language (written and oral) is essential, while a good command of the Dutch language is preferable.

Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2000 - 2500
Salaryscale 10.
Maximum salary amount in Euro’s a month 2502
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 4 years
Maximum hours per week: 38

Additional conditions of employment:
This position has a temporary employment basis of 4 years (48 months). The extent of this position is 38 hours per week (1 FTE). The estimated monthly PhD starting salary is based on scale P0 with a starting salary of € 1,956 per month gross and a maximum of € 2,502 per month gross (based on a full-time appointment and depending on experience). Benefits and other employment conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

The successful candidate will be employed by the TU Delft for a fixed period of 4 years within which he or she is expected to write a dissertation leading to the Dr. title (PhD thesis).

Delft University of Technology strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions; women are therefore especially encouraged to apply.

Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Delft University of Technology contacts
Website: http://www.vacaturesindelft.nl/