Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh

Applications are invited for a 2 year Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Andrew Bunger's group at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The group conducts research in geomechanics with an emphasis on mechanics of hydraulic fractures and poromechanics of rocks.

The ideal candidate will come from a soil mechanics/geomechanics background and will be responsible for developing a new research capability relevant to clay-based materials used for wellbore plugging in the petroleum industry and in the proposed deep borehole nuclear waste disposal. Topic of research include mechanics of plug emplacement, clay hydraulic/consolidation, penetration of plugging material into near-wellbore cracks, and resistance to localization of fluid flow under high pressure gradients. Besides these basic research topics, the postdoc will lead investigations into improving plug performance through the use of additives that modify the clay behavior and properties.

Selection will be based on the following criteria:

1) PhD in a mechanics-related field

2) Experience in soil mechanics and/or geotechnical engineering

3) Strong academic and publication record

4) Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communication including writing journal/conference papers, presenting seminars, and submitting research proposals.

To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and full list of publications to bunger@pitt.edu before 31 March 2015.