2 PhD positions on upscaling transport processes in partially-saturated porous media
Nonlinear Processes in Geosciences (NP)
The Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) offers two 3-year PhD positions to carry out research on multiphase flow and hydrodynamic transport in permeable media. These positions are funded by the ERC Starting Grant project Uplift.
The overarching goal of Uplift is to develop upscaled models for transport, mixing, and reaction in the vadose zone, grounded in a robust understanding of pore-scale dynamics. The vadose zone, which connects the land surface to groundwater, plays a key role in controlling the fate of nutrients and contaminants. Reactive transport in partially saturated porous media is therefore central to nutrient cycling, soil and groundwater remediation, and environmental protection.
The project addresses the strong multiscale heterogeneity of geological media and the additional complexity introduced by the coexistence of air and water. Understanding and predicting these processes requires combining pore-scale insights with theoretical and numerical frameworks able to capture their impact at larger scales.
For both positions, the candidate will work on theoretical and numerical modeling, interact with the Uplift research team and external collaborators, and contribute to the validation of models against experimental data. Results will be disseminated through international journals and conferences. The PhD will be carried out within an interdisciplinary research environment at IDAEA-CSIC.
What do we look for?
Qualifications
Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
Background and skills
Theoretical background in stochastic modeling and transport processes.
Experience in scientific programming (preferably C++).
Interest in collaborative and multidisciplinary research.
Proficiency in English.
Working conditions
Contract duration: 3 years
Full-time position
Estimated annual gross salary: ~€32,000 (standard Spanish M3 contract)
Preferred start date: March 2026
How to apply?
Applicants should submit:
A motivation letter describing their interest and relevant qualifications
An up-to-date CV
Contact details of two academic referees
The CSIC is committed to diversity and equal-opportunity employment.
PhD position – Stochastic mixing and reactions
The candidate will develop stochastic models of mixing and reaction in heterogeneous, partially saturated porous media, considering both fluid–fluid and fluid–solid reactions. The work will focus on understanding how saturation degree, medium structure, and flow conditions control mixing metrics and reaction rates.
To submit your application or ask for more information, please send an email with the subject “ERC Uplift Position PhD2” to Tomás Aquino at tomas.aquino@idaea.csic.es
PhD position – Multiscale reactive transport modeling
The candidate will develop a hybrid multiscale model for reactive transport at the field scale, coupling continuum-scale flow descriptions based on Richards’ equation with stochastic representations of pore-scale processes to account for incomplete mixing and subscale variability.
To submit your application or ask for more information, please send an email with the subject “ERC Uplift Position PhD3” to Tomás Aquino at tomas.aquino@idaea.csic.es and Ran Holtzman at ran.holtzman@csic.es
https://www.idaea.csic.es/job-offer/2-phd-positions-on-upscaling-transport-processes-in-partially-saturated-porous-media/