Modelling advective-diffusive transport of gases in low permeability rocks

This is a joint PhD Studentship between Heriot-Watt University and The University of Edinburgh.

Advective-diffusive transport in low permeability formations is important to understand the fate of gas leakage from subsurface storage sites. This is of relevance in characterising carbon and hydrogen storage but also radioactive waste disposal sites. Often, storage is dynamic, whereby pressures are increased continuously (CO2 storage), whereby pressure might by cycled (H2, CH4 storage), or where the aim is to find a balance between pressure buildup and pressure release (radioactive storage sites). Furthermore, understanding advective-diffusive transport controls mineral reactions and gas dissolution. The quantification of which is strongly linked to penetration depth over different time scales.

This PhD project will build on field and laboratory data available at Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh Universities. We will make use of state-of-the art modelling tools that have been tested for related applications but require background and interest for code development to address the various scenarios relevant for this PhD project. The successful candidate will get first-hand training on modelling codes at both, University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements: (1) An Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or equivalent) in a relevant field, (2) Fulfilment of the universities’ English language requirements, (3) A background in geoenergy or petroleum engineering, physics, civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology (with a suitable physical background), or a closely related discipline.

Funding

Scholarships are provided by the Edinburgh Research Partnership in Engineering (https://www.erpe.ac.uk/), which is a strategic alliance between the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University.

ERPE will be funding a set of 12 joint PhD studentships to start in September 2025 that will sit across The University of Edinburgh (UoE) and Heriot-Watt University (HWU).There are a limited number of international scholarships available. 

Successful proposals will be awarded a scholarship that covers tuition fees (Home and Oversees) and provides an annual stipend of £21,400 per annum for 42 months. Thereafter, candidates will be expected to pay a continuing affiliation fee (currently £130) whilst they complete writing up their thesis.

Proposals will be ranked based on a combination of the quality of the candidate student and the strategic fit of the project to the ERPE.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to Prof. Florian Doster ([Email Address Removed]), Dr Ian Molnar ([Email Address Removed]) and Prof. Andreas Busch ([Email Address Removed]) by February 19th, 2025:

CV and a cover letter detailing your current level of study, academic background, relevant experience, and motivation for pursuing this PhD project.

Timeline

Applications must be submitted by 19 February 2025. Candidates must be available to start in September 2025.