Research Associate in Geotechnical Engineering for Nuclear Waste Disposal

Location: South Kensington campus - Hybrid

Duration: Full time, fixed term until 31 March 2026

About the role:

We are hiring a Research Associate to develop models for the thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical behaviour of bentonite barriers in nuclear waste disposal, through conventional and Machine Learning approaches. This is an opportunity to work at a world leading university in close collaboration with our research partners in the UK (British Geological Survey, BGS) and in the USA (Texas A&M University, TAMU, and Sandia National Laboratories, SNL) who are collecting relevant experimental data through micro- and macroscopic lab experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. You will gain experience working in an international group on cutting-edge research on a topic of great environmental significance.

What you would be doing:

The overarching aim of the project is to understand, explain and demonstrate how bentonite clays will behave as engineered barriers in geological disposal of nuclear waste. Novel experimental apparatus and techniques are being developed by our partners in the UK and the US to test different types of bentonite clays at temperatures much higher than those previously achieved. You will work closely with our partners, to share data and interpret soil behaviour through new frameworks that we will develop in collaboration.

You will develop, code and use novel constitutive models that can simulate the coupled thermal, hydraulic, mechanical and chemical (THMC) behaviour of soils in temperatures reaching 200^oC, i.e. under conditions not previously achieved in element testing in Geotechnical Engineering. In addition to conventional approaches to constitutive modelling, you will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to develop certain aspects of these models (e.g. yield or loading surfaces) as well as techniques to calibrate them.

You will attend monthly online meetings, with the possibility of spending up to four weeks in Texas A&M University and Sandia National Laboratories. You will be expected to publish your research findings in leading journals and attend international conferences. At the end of your post, you will co-organise an international workshop that will bring the project partners together with teams from across the world and where you will present your own work and findings.

What we are looking for:

• Demonstrable experience in computer programming in relation to either constitutive modelling of soils or application of machine learning techniques to engineering problems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to develop and apply new concepts
• Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to work within an international group and with world-leading experts in Geotechnical Engineering
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution
• The possibility to conduct short-term research in a US institution
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 38 days off a year)

Further Information

Please refer to the job description for full details and essential requirements for the post.

This is a fixed term post to 31 March 2026, with the possibility of further extension.

For informal enquiries about the post please contact:

Dr Katerina Tsiampousi – aikaterini.tsiampousi05@imperial.ac.uk.

For queries regarding the recruitment process please contact:

Briony Webb on b.webb@imperial.ac.uk.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

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