PhD Scholarship (ERC Uplift Project): The Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA–CSIC), part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Barcelona, Spain. The PhD is offered under the ERC Starting Grant project Uplift and focuses on multiphase flow, mixing, and reactive transport in heterogeneous, partially-saturated porous media (vadose zone). The position offers an excellent opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary, international research environment with competitive funding and strong research exposure.
PhD Scholarship: Upscaling Transport Processes in Partially-Saturated Porous Media (ERC Uplift Project)
Designation
PhD Research Scholar (Doctoral Candidate)
Research Area
- Multiphase flow in porous media
- Reactive transport and mixing processes
- Vadose zone hydrology
- Stochastic modeling
- Theoretical and numerical modeling of transport processes
Location
Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA–CSIC)
C/ Jordi Girona 18–26, 08034
Barcelona, Spain
Website: https://www.idaea.csic.es/
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should have:
- A Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related discipline
- Strong theoretical background in stochastic modeling and transport processes
- Experience or interest in scientific programming (preferably C++)
- Interest in collaborative, multidisciplinary research
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
Job Description
The selected PhD candidate will work within the ERC-funded Uplift project, which aims to develop upscaled models for transport, mixing, and reaction processes in the vadose zone. Key responsibilities include:
- Developing stochastic models for mixing and reaction of dissolved substances in heterogeneous, partially-saturated porous media
- Studying both fluid–fluid and fluid–solid reactions
- Investigating the effects of saturation degree and medium structure on mixing metrics and reaction rates
- Conducting theoretical and numerical modeling across a wide range of flow conditions and medium structures
- Collaborating with the Uplift research team and external collaborators
- Validating models against experimental data
- Publishing results in international scientific journals and presenting findings at international conferences and project meetings
The PhD will be carried out within an interdisciplinary research team at IDAEA–CSIC.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents by email:
- A motivation letter outlining interest in the position and relevant qualifications
- An up-to-date CV
- Contact details of two academic referees
Email Subject: ERC Uplift Position PhD2
Send applications to:
Dr. Tomás Aquino
ERC Uplift Project Leader, IDAEA–CSIC
Email: tomas.aquino@idaea.csic.es
Conditions of Employment
- Annual gross salary: ~€32,000 (Spanish M3 contract)
- Position type: Full-time
- Duration: 3 years
- Preferred start date: March 2026
Last Date for Apply
Not explicitly specified (applications are encouraged as early as possible until the position is filled)
IDAEA–CSIC and CSIC are equal-opportunity employers and strongly value diversity in research and employment.
