My colleague Dr Nick Rosser and I are advertising a fully funded PhD studentship to join our team at Durham.  The PhD project, entitled “Numerical Rock Slope Modelling”, will start in January 2013 or shortly thereafter.  The project will form part of a large industry-funded research programme, combining the work of two members of academic staff, two post-doctoral research associates, a PhD student and a technician,which aims to understand the mechanisms of rock slope failure. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing numerical models of rock slope stability using finite and discrete element rock mechanics software. The aim is to improve understanding of the mode, scale and timing of rock slope failure in response to both internal and external controls and triggers.

We are looking for a candidate with a background in rock mechanics, engineering geology, quantitative geomorphology, applied mathematics or a related discipline. You will need to be able demonstrate experience and competence in numerical modelling and/or the assessment of rock slope stability.

Details of the studentship are available here.  The deadline for applications is 14th November 2012.  Please contact me for any further details or information using my work email address: [email protected]