JOB OFFER – PHD STUDENT
Michał Wilde praca
Project: Rainfall-Induced Herbaceous Vegetated Slope Instability and Risk Assessment (RHVIRA)
Funding: National Science Centre (NCN), Poland
Program: SHENG4
Institution: Institute of Hydro-Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences
Project Leader: Dr inż. Barbara Maria Świtała
Form: PhD Student/Scholarship
Duration: 30 months
Planned Start Date: To be agreed once position is filled
Scholarship: 5,000 PLN per month (according to applicable NCN regulations, in addition to the standard doctoral school scholarship).
Position description
The PhD student will focus on root‑reinforcement mechanics at the micro‑ and meso‑scale, including analyses of root‑growth trajectories in transparent materials and photoelastic tests on vegetated samples. The selected candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to experiments planned at Wuhan University. The position is part of an international project, and the work will be carried out in close collaboration with other members of the research team.
Scope of Research
- Analysing soil reinforcement mechanisms provided by grass root systems.
- Contribution in photoelastic experiments on transparent soil reinforced with plant roots:
- Investigations on root growth trajectory in transparent materials,
- Assessment of strength and bearing capacity of root-soil composites,
- miniature shear test with X-ray CT tomography (at the University of Wuhan).
- Image analysis, post-processing of the experimental results.
- Participation of numerical modelling of root-reinforced soils.
- Participation in writing scientific papers and publishing research results in high‑impact international journals.
- Engaging in international collaboration (including research visits at Wuhan University).
- Participating in international scientific conferences.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in civil engineering (especially geotechnical engineering), environmental engineering, earth sciences, or a closely related field.
- The candidate must fulfil the requirements stated in regulations for awarding NCN scholarships for NCN funded research projects,
- The candidate must hold the status of a PhD student (first year), or successfully enrol in the Doctoral School at Gdańsk University of Technology in the discipline Civil Engineering, Geodesy and Transport for the academic year 2026/2027.
- Basic knowledge of soil mechanics.
- Motivation for scientific work and interest in interdisciplinary research.
- Very good command of English, both written and spoken.
- Ability to work in an international team.
Additional Assets
- Experience in physical modelling.
- Experience in numerical modelling.
- Basic programming skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB).
- Interest in climate change and nature-based solutions.
We Offer
- Participation in an innovative, interdisciplinary research project.
- Access to the research infrastructure of the Institute of Hydro-Engineering, PAS.
- Supervision by an experienced scientific team.
- Opportunities to publish research results in international journals.
- Participation in international conferences.
- Research visits at University of Wuhan and opportunities for international collaboration.
To apply
Please send the following documents to b.switala@ibwpan.gda.pl:
- CV with a list of publications and the following statement: “I hereby give my consent for the processing of my personal data included in my application documents by the Institute of Hydro-Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, in accordance with Article 6(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation) for the purposes of the recruitment process.”
- Cover letter describing the research interests (max 1 page A4).
- Copy of a master diploma (or equivalent)
- The contact information (name, position, email, institutional affiliation) of 1 to 2 references that might be contacted.
Deadline for applications: 10 March 2026.