ENAC – 2 PhD Positions – SNSF project “Root Asymmetry response to hydromechanical Forcing Tempers soil Erosion (RAFTER)”

The Hydraulic Constructions Platform LCH (PL-LCH) within the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering at EPFL offers two PhD positions in the field of fluvial ecomorphodynamics and vegetation and flow interactions. Both posts are part of the Swiss National Foundation research project RAFTER (Root Asymmetry response to hydromechanical Forcing Tempers soil ERosion):

• 1 PhD in Experimental quantification of dynamotropism and hydropatterning plant root responses

Duties: In this project we will investigate the relative role of mechanical bending and hydropatterning for plant cuttings of riparian species to develop asymmetric biomass density in relation to prevailing environmental stimuli. Investigations will be carried out in four, different, though complementary tasks: 1) Neutron radiography detection of dynamotropism and hydropatterning signatures on roots development in homogeneous sandy soil; 2) Physical and physiological origin of dynamotropism; 3) Field scale experiments; 4) Data analysis. Activities include both laboratory (flume) and field experiments with vegetation cuttings, data analysis and hydraulic modelling.

Requisites: background in environmental and/or civil engineering or environmental sciences, geology, physical geography (geomorphology) or closely related disciplines with knowledge of river mechanics, plant ecology, statistics and time series analysis; strong attitude and ability for laboratory and field works in riverine environments

• 1 Phd in Biomechanical resistance of asymmetric root structures to static uprooting and flow erosion

Duties: In this project we shall focus on the effects that asymmetric root architecture has on the uprooting biomechanics both as far as static pullout and erosion by flow are concerned. This will be carried out by combining experiments at the laboratory and the field scales. Theoretical advances on modelling plant uprooting by flow will also be pursued and validated on experimental results. The student will work at four tasks: 1) Identification of field site, numerical simulations and monitoring of erosion and cutting uprooting by flow; 2) Biomechanics of asymmetric root architecture; 3) Flow erosion and uprooting by flow experiments; 4) Plant root biomechanics and stochastic modelling of uprooting by flow.

 Requisites: background in environmental and/or civil engineering or environmental sciences, geology, physical geography (geomorphology) or closely related disciplines with knowledge of river mechanics, strong skills for modelling (numerical or analytical) and interest for laboratory and field works in riverine environments.

Pre-requisite for admission
To be hired for a PhD position at EPFL in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Doctoral program, applicants must be accepted by the Doctoral School (https://www.epfl.ch/education/phd/edce-civil-and-environmental-engineering/ ).

Inquiries about the positions should directly be addressed to Paolo Perona (paolo.perona@epfl.ch ). Candidates should send their application made of a motivation letter, a full CV, and a letter of reference to paolo.perona@epfl.ch . Applications will be considered until the positions are filled.