ARC Grant-Funded Researcher (A)

EDU Passport LLC; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 102,024 - 109,307; Full time

Job summary

Adelaide University, Mawson Lakes Campus, is seeking an ARC Grant‑Funded Researcher to contribute to a project developing low‑carbon concrete using calcined halloysite, recycled plastic fibres and AI‑assisted optimisation.

The role focuses on translating polymer and fibre production knowledge into practical concrete technologies, supporting Australia’s transition toward lower‑carbon, circular construction materials. Collaboration across laboratory development and industry translation is expected.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interdisciplinary expertise across polymer/plastic materials and civil engineering applications.
• Proven record of high‑quality research outputs with impact in concrete materials.
• Industry experience or industry‑facing research capability in polymer, plastic or synthetic fibre production.

Responsibilities

• Translate polymer and fibre production knowledge into practical concrete technologies.
• Support development of low‑carbon concrete using calcined halloysite, recycled plastic fibres and AI‑assisted optimisation.
• Contribute to a nationally significant research program and industry translation.

Skills

Interdisciplinary research

Polymer/plastic materials knowledge

Fibre‑reinforced composites

AI‑assisted optimisation

Industrial translation

Education

PhD in Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Location

Global

Job Description

Based in the College of Engineering and Information Technology, Mawson Lakes Campus, full time, fixed term contract available for 3 years.

Salary Range: Level A (from step 6 - step 8), $102,024 - $109,307 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive. We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens.

Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change‑makers and create a better tomorrow. Work that matters.

The School of Civil Engineering and Construction is seeking a highly motivated ARC Grant‑Funded Researcher to contribute to an industry‑linked project developing low‑carbon concrete using calcined halloysite, recycled plastic fibres and AI‑assisted optimisation.

The role will focus on translating polymer and fibre production knowledge into practical concrete technologies, supporting Australia’s transition toward lower‑carbon, circular construction materials. This position will contribute to a nationally significant research program that addresses two critical challenges: reducing the carbon footprint of concrete and repurposing plastic waste into high‑value construction materials. The outcomes are expected to support new material development, prototype validation and practical uptake by industry partners.

Team and Reporting

This role will report to A/Prof Thong Pham and sit within the School of Civil Engineering and Construction in the College of Engineering and Information Technology. The successful candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team spanning structural engineering, sustainable concrete materials, polymer/plastic fibre technology, AI‑assisted optimisation and industry translation.

The role will involve close engagement with university researchers, HDR students, technical staff and industry partners, including collaborators involved in recycled plastic fibre production and construction applications. The position is suited to a researcher who can work across both laboratory‑based material development and industry‑focused implementation.

Environment

You will join a collaborative and applied research environment focused on sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The team values technical depth, practical impact and strong engagement with industry, with research activities ranging from material design and fibre treatment to mechanical testing, durability assessment, prototype development and high‑quality publication.

Experience and Qualifications

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:

• A PhD in Civil Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field, with demonstrated expertise relevant to concrete materials, polymer/plastic fibres, fibre‑reinforced cementitious composites, or sustainable construction materials.
• Demonstrated interdisciplinary expertise across polymer/plastic materials and civil engineering applications, including the ability to connect fibre production, surface treatment, mechanical behaviour and concrete performance.
• Proven record of high‑quality research outputs, with emphasis on quality, relevance and impact rather than quantity, including publications in reputable journals in areas such as fibre‑reinforced concrete, recycled plastic/polyolefin fibres, polymer‑modified materials, low‑carbon concrete or construction materials.
• Demonstrated industry experience or industry‑facing research capability in polymer, plastic or synthetic fibre production, including material processing, fibre manufacturing, product development, patents, or commercial application. Experience with recycled plastics or recycled plastic fibres will be highly regarded.
• Assessment will place greater weight on the quality, relevance and translational value of research outputs than on publication quantity alone.

Inclusion and Diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.