PhD Position

Position Summary

The Geo Innovation Research Lab (GIRL) is looking for PhD candidates who will be focused on geo-innovation and geo-materials. 

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated student with expertise in one or more of the following fields: soil mechanics, geo-statistics, waves, programming, or soil-structure interaction. The successful applicant should also have strong writing and communication skills and be able to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary and diverse research team.

The PhD student will be expected to design and perform laboratory and greenhouse/field experiments, perform the associated data analysis, and prepare manuscripts for peer-review and publication, as well as participate in report writing. The PhD student will collaborate with researchers at CNU and other institutions. This position may require some travel for research collaboration purposes, fieldwork and to present research findings at regional, national, and international conferences.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

BS and MS - Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Option)

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must hold an MS or MEng in a field related to Geotechnical Engineering. Applicants must have received their PhD within the past three years.

Desired Qualifications

Expertise and proficiency in one or more of the following is desired: soil mechanics, soil-structure interaction, wave-based methods, polymerized/bio-treated materials and programming (python, MATLAB, R). The successful applicant should have strong writing and communication skills and be able to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Experience in lecturing and conducting field experiments is also desired.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter (1-page maximum)

• A detailed current curriculum vitae (CV)

• Transcripts (BS and MS or Meng)

• A research statement (2-page maximum) describing research experience, accomplishments and interests

• Contact information (name, address, email and phone) for three (3) academic (preferred) or professional reference.

• English Language Proficiency (ELP) if English is not first or official language

Interested candidates should send their completed application packages and direct queries to Professor Changho Lee by email at changho@jnu.ac.kr. 

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

JNU offers a unique research and personal experience. Here are some reasons why suitably qualified researchers and students should join the GIRL group at JNU – as written by our own students and postdocs:

 1. Research culture: People come from all over the world to research at GIRL and our group is a reflection of this. Our group currently has staff and students from approximately 4 different nationalities and backgrounds.

2. World class research facilities and equipment access: our group has developed an exceptional laboratory facility. A good complement to our lab work is the Campus Library which has over 310,000 e-book titles and access to over 50,000 major scientific and commercial journals.

3. Housing and campus life: we live on a safe and secure campus in fully furnished homes that are close to the campus. In fact, no one lives more than a 5 minute drive (or a leisurely 10 minute cycle ride) away from our offices and research space. We also have a dedicated JNU Government Affairs office on campus that facilitates the process of obtaining Entry/Exist Visas and other key paperwork. JNU provides a cafeteria with at least 5 different meal options per day available at a low cost.

4. A unique location in Korea: Gwangju city offers a unique history and landscape that is not accessible to the vast majority of people. 

5. International schools and daycare: 

6. Recreation facilities and a cinema: free gyms, tennis, squash, football, and badminton courts and volleyball among others sports are at your disposal. There’s a wide variety of exercise classes and groups that run activities ranging from photography, to playgroups to rugby – and all points in between!