opportunities

At NUS, my research group focuses on the theoretical and computational modeling of geo- and granular materials, with particular emphasis on multiphysics and multiphase problems, large-deformation analysis, constitutive theory and rheology, and high-performance computing. At the heart of our research is a question inspired by the late Professor Jim Mitchell (my academic grandfather): why do soil, rock, and granular matter behave the way they do?

I am currently recruiting PhD students for the August 2027 intake, with full scholarships and stipends available. The PhD projects will broadly fall within one or more of the following areas:

• large-deformation geotechnical engineering problems, including earthquake- and rainfall-induced failures
• constitutive modeling of geomaterials, including rate dependence, anisotropy, and post-failure behavior
• fluid–soil–structure interaction for coastal and offshore engineering applications
• rheology of complex fluids, including geophysical flows, construction materials, granular suspensions, and shear-thinning and shear-thickening materials.

The application deadline for the August 2027 intake is January 15th, 2027. Interested candidates may contact me at chandra(at)nus(dot)edu(dot)sg with a detailed CV, transcripts, and a short research statement. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.