Specific open positions

Since these positions depend on the availability of open calls for grants, we recommend contacting us well in advance of the ideal date you would like to start working with us. Please send your application.

There may be other positions avalaible, which are are usually related to competitive grants that can be solicited at different times during the academic year.

Host (recruiting) organisation: Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña
Supervisory team
Primary academic institution
Prof. Pedro Díez, Prof. Alberto García-González
Associated advisory team
Prof. J.C. Afonso, Prof. Gianluigi Rozza
Project description:

Magnetotelluric (MT) data is one of the most effective sources of information to elucidate the physical state of
the crust and lithospheric mantle, including the detection of hydrogen and fluid/melt pathways. This is
possible due to the strong sensitivity of the electrical conductivity of rocks to hydrogen content, temperature,
mineralogy and fluid/melt contents. However, the forward problem of 3D MT data is computationally
demanding, which has traditionally rendered probabilistic inversions based on long Markov chain Monte Carlo
simulations impractical. This in turn limits our capacity to perform robust uncertainty quantification of the
subsurface images obtained by MT.
Recent breakthroughs by our group has shown that the use of Reduced-Order Models (ROM) can significantly
reduce the computational time associated with the computation of the 3D MT problem, paving the way to
fully probabilistic inversions of 3D MT data. Despite this advances, the character of the MT problem
jeopardizes the main advantages of ROM due to the considerable cost associated with building the discrete
operators (matrices). Hyper-reduction techniques aim precisely at reducing the overhead associated with the
construction of the nonlinear operators. The key idea behind standard ROM is reducing the dimension of the
functional space in which the solution is sought. Hyper-reduction goes a step further in this direction and
proposes a reduced description of the operators involved in the governing equations. The gain in
computational efficiency by combining ROM and hyper-reduction concepts has enormous potential for i)
removing current limitations in probabilistic inversions of high-resolution 3D MT datasets, ii) allowing joint
inversions of MT with other datasets, iii) producing new industry standards for the exploration of critical
minerals and deep geothermal systems.
The main goal of this project is to propose and analyze new hyper-reduction techniques in the context of 3D
MT, and to produce hybrid hyper-reduction+ROM approaches compatible with the efficiency and accuracy
requirements of Bayesian inversion schemes driven by Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations. This thesis is
linked to projects 3, 2 and 5.

Keywords: Model Order Reduction and hyper-reduction, Magnetotellurics, Bayesian Inversion
techniques.

Expected Results:

Implement a solver able to deal with the tight time constrains required by inversion
algorithms. Knowledge of the performance of different hyper-reduction techniques in the context of
MT. Three publications in high-impact indexed journals in the field of applied mathematics, numerical
methods or applied geophysics. At least three presentations in international congresses.

Benefits

– High-level training, teaching and research in a multi-institution and integrative doctoral network with
emphasis on systems thinking, creativity, scientific quality and social awareness.
– World-class training in four of the most powerful and relevant disciplines today: AI, Bayesian inverse
theory, computer simulation and science communication.
– 36 months of full-time employment contract plus additional mobility and family allowances.
– Research supervision and training by world-leading experts from academia, industry and NGOs.
– Access to state-of-the-art facilities.
– Research stays in multiple institutions and attendance to international conferences.
– Be part of the most prestigious doctoral network programme in Europe (MSCA-DN).

Requirements

– Undergraduate and MSc degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Physics, Computer Sciences, Mathematics,
Geophysics or similar.
– Enthusiastic attitude to conduct research individually and as part of a team.
– Demonstrable knowledge in computer programming with either Fortran, Matlab, Python and/or C.
– Experience with Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations and inverse theory.
– Excellent level of spoken and written English (specific requirements may apply depending on the recruiting
institution, e.g. TOEFL or IELTS tests).
– Demonstrable experience writing scientific articles/reports.
– Willingness to travel and fulfil research stays/secondments related to the project.

Eligibility

At the time of recruitment by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main
activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference
date.
Duration of the project
The total duration of the project is 36 months.
Obligations of doctoral candidates
– Completion of the PhD programme in due term.
– Be committed to high-quality research, training and management. The successful candidate is expected to
become a future leader in the development of original, transdisciplinary solutions to some of the most
pressing challenges that humanity will face in the next decade.
– Take part of the mobility programme, as deemed appropriate.
– Participate on the dissemination and outreach activities associated to the project.
– Attend international conferences and present the research undertaken.
– Attend EarthSafe’s Scientific Annual Meetings and Schools.
– Lead the writing of scientific articles for international journals.

How to apply

Send your Application Form (if hyperlink does not work, copy the following text in your browser address bar:
https://drive.caminstech.upc.edu/s/MM8ZYyJaRLZbapq) and Curriculum Vitae by email to: earthsafeitc@
utwente.nl.

Questions
earthsafe-itc@utwente.nl

Host (recruiting) organisation: Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña
Supervisory team
Primary academic institution
Prof. Sergio Zlotnik (UPC)
Prof. Pedro Díez (UPC)
Associated advisory team
A/Prof. J.C. Afonso (University of Twente)
Project description

Thermo-chemical-mechanical interactions of fluid phases and solid rocks control magmatic and
hydrothermal processes of tectonic, biological and economic significance. For instance, there is
evidence that some of the largest Au and Cu deposits in the world have been formed by a multi-step
process involving thermal anomalies in the mantle source and associated partial melting, subsequent
melt fractionation and mass transfer via reactive flow and hydrofracturing, and finally, selective
concentration of elements at shallow levels. However, our capacity to model these processes and the
non-linear feedbacks in the system that ultimately control the formation of giant ore deposits is still
rudimentary. This limits our ability to i) draw new knowledge about the emergent properties of such
complex systems, ii) understand how they evolve and iii) produce prospectivity proxies to inform
regional exploration frameworks of critical materials to support green technologies.
This project aims to develop a multi-component, multi-phase reactive transport framework
(conceptual and numerical) for modelling the complex feedbacks between mechanical, chemical and
thermal processes that result in specific mineral deposits of critical minerals. This work will draw on
recent methods developed by the Supervisory Institutions (UPC and UT teams) on multi-phase
reactive flow with complex rheologies and tailor them to simulate magmatic systems of significance
for the energy transition, their thermo-chemical-mechanical coupling, and their geophysical and
geochemical signatures. The latter connection between simulation results and their expressions on
geophysical and geochemical observables is critical for advancing exploration frameworks. The
outcomes of this project will not only support a rapid transition to low-carbon technologies, but it will
be also directly applicable to the study of geothermal systems and other terrestrial planets and
moons in the solar system.
The successful candidate will collaborate closely with researchers at the University of Twente
(Netherlands), as well as with partners Geoscience Australia, Minerals Target International and BHP.
Expected Results: Greater conceptual and technical understanding of magmatic plumbing systems.
Practical tools to model the complex mechanical-thermal-chemical processes governing magmatic
mineralization systems to assist with exploration and interpretation of geophysical and geochemical
observables.

Keywords: numerical simulation, multi-phase reactive flow, magmatic plumbing systems, magmatic ore
deposits.

Benefits

– High-level training, teaching and research in a multi-institution and integrative doctoral network with
emphasis on systems thinking, creativity, scientific quality and social awareness.
– World-class training in four of the most powerful and relevant disciplines today: AI, Bayesian inverse
theory, computer simulation and science communication.
– 36 months of full-time employment contract plus additional mobility and family allowances.
– Research supervision and training by world-leading experts from academia, industry and NGOs.
– Access to state-of-the-art facilities.
– Research stays in multiple institutions and attendance to international conferences.
– Be part of the most prestigious doctoral network programme in Europe (MSCA-DN).

Requirements

– Undergraduate and MSc degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Physics, Computer Sciences, Mathematics,
Geophysics or similar.
– Enthusiastic attitude to conduct research individually and as part of a team.
– Demonstrable knowledge in computer programming with either Fortran, Matlab, Python and/or C.
– Experience with Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations. Familiarity with chemistry and/or
thermodynamics is highly desirable, but not essential.
– Excellent level of spoken and written English (specific requirements may apply depending on the recruiting
institution, e.g. TOEFL or IELTS tests).
– Demonstrable experience writing scientific articles/reports.
– Willingness to travel and fulfil research stays/secondments related to the project.

Eligibility

At the time of recruitment by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main
activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the
reference date.
Duration of the project
The total duration of the project is 36 months.
Obligations of doctoral candidates
– Completion of the PhD programme in due term.
– Be committed to high-quality research, training and management. The successful candidate is expected to
become a future leader in the development of original, transdisciplinary solutions to some of the most
pressing challenges that humanity will face in the next decade.
– Take part of the mobility programme, as deemed appropriate.
– Participate on the dissemination and outreach activities associated to the project.
– Attend international conferences and present the research undertaken.
– Attend EarthSafe’s Scientific Annual Meetings and Schools.
– Contribute to the writing of articles in high impact international journals.

How to apply

Send your Application Form (if hyperlink does not work, copy the following text in your browser address bar:
https://drive.caminstech.upc.edu/s/MM8ZYyJaRLZbapq) and Curriculum Vitae by email to: earthsafeitc@
utwente.nl.

Questions
earthsafe-itc@utwente.nl

The research program “Cell and tissue mechanobiology”@LaCàN-UPC offers two 4-year FPI fellowships for a PhD in the area of mathematical and computational modeling of living matter. These fellowships offer the opportunity to carry out international research stays. The groups involved perform state-of-the-art research in this multidisciplinary field with close experimental collaborators in BCN and elsewhere:

Pablo Sáez (UPC), “Multi-scale and multi-physics modelling in mechanobiology

Marino Arroyo (UPC, CIMNE, IBEC), “Mechanics of soft and living interfaces

Fellowship #1: Bio-chemo-mechanics at sub-cellular scales with the active behavior of living tissues using multi scale modeling (UPC)

Fellowship #2: Reverse engineering biological interfaces using mathematical and computational modeling: from living cells to bio-inspired artificial materials (CIMNE, linked to Severo Ochoa award)

For candidates doing their MS at the UPC, we can offer a paid internship (“beca d’iniciació a la recerca”) towards your thesis.

Starting date: Fall 2021

Application deadline: the official deadline is Oct 27 2020 but you are strongly encouraged to contact pablo.saez@upc.edu or marino.arroyo@upc.edu as soon as possible with a presentation paragraph, a CV, and transcripts.

Regional, national and European opportunities

There is a number of regional, state and European opportunities that opens regularly once per year. We encourage motivated student and researcher to contact us if you are interested in joining the LaCàN with these grants.

Grants for the recruitment of early-stage research staff (FI):

This call for grants is co-financed with the European Social Fund. To award  grants to universities, research centres and/or hospital foundations to recruit early-stage research staff and promote research quality by means of the the incorporation of this staff in research groups that develop a current and funded R&D project.

FPI-UPC:

Call for the incorporation of research personnel in training (FPI-UPC) for the completion of the doctoral thesis at the UPC. Opens once per year during summer.

Postdoctoral grant Beatriu de Pinós (BP):

The purpose of the Beatriu de Pinós programme is to award 60 individual grants for the employment and incorporation of postdoctoral research staff into the Catalan science and technology system.

Postdoctoral grant Juan de la Cierva:

The goal of this call is to encourage the recruitment of young doctors for a period of two years so that they complete their postdoctoral research training in Spanish R & D centers other than those in which they carried out their predoctoral training.

Predoctoral contracts for the training of PhD students (FPI):

The aids aim to train doctors through the financing of labor contracts, under the predoctoral contract modality, so that researchers in training carry out a doctoral thesis associated with a research project funded by the aid for R&D projects from  the “Ministerio Economia, Industria y Competitividad (Agencia Estatal de Investigación)”.

PhD Training Grants for University Teaching Staff (FPU):

Destined to the research training in doctoral programs for the achievement of the Doctoral Degree and the acquisition of university teaching competencies, in any area of scientific knowledge, that facilitate the future incorporation of these people into the Spanish system of higher education.

INPhINIT fellowship program by “La Caixa Foundation”

INPhINIT is a new doctoral fellowship programme devoted to attracting international Early-Stage Researchers to the top Spanish research centres in the areas of Bio and Health Sciences, Physics, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

PhD grants by the  “la Caixa” Foundation:

“La Caixa” Foundation: offers 20 fellowships to carry out a doctorate at Spanish universities and research centres

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) PhD Funding:

MSCA funding for PhD students is offered within university partnerships called Innovative Training Networks (ITN). The purpose of the scheme is to bring together organisations such as Universities, SMEs (small/medium enterprises), public and private (non-commercial) research centres, non-profit organisations etc. in order to train early-stage researchers in professional environments. In doing so, researchers gain the opportunity to develop themselves through a series of individual projects as set out by the partnership (ITN) the student applies to.

General open positions

We encourage motivated candidates with excellent academic credentials to send inquiries about possible open calls. We will provide information on the different possibilities and we will assist selected candidates in the application process for grants suited for their needs.

In case you are interested in those positions, please send us your application to contact.lacan@upc.edu with the keyword “Postdoc application”  or “PhD application” in the subject following the instructions here below.