PhD opening – water structuring and dynamics in cementitious LDH phases

Karlstad University; Louvain; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research university in Belgium seeks a PhD candidate for a project on water structuring and dynamics in cementitious materials. Candidates should have a strong background in inorganic chemistry and materials science, with a MSc or equivalent qualifications. Responsibilities include synthesis and characterization of materials, participation in research activities, and supervision of student projects. The position offers a competitive full-time scholarship for four years.

Prestations

Access to top-notch analytical facilities

Funding available for additional fellowships

Personalized mentoring and training opportunities

Participation in conferences

Qualifications

• Excellent gradings and strong inorganic chemistry background.
• Experience in scientific programming and data analysis.
• Familiar with NMR spectroscopy, X-ray scattering, and microscopy techniques.

Responsabilités

• Synthesize layered double hydroxides relevant to LDH2O.
• Participate in group meetings and activities.
• Follow the doctoral training program and supervise MSc and BSc dissertations.

Connaissances

Inorganic chemistry

Material characterization techniques

Scientific programming (Python, MATLAB)

Communication in English

Data analysis

Team player

Initiative

Formation

MSc in Geoscience/Mineralogy

MSc in Chemistry

MSc in Materials or Civil Engineering

Outils

NMR spectroscopy

XRD

Electron Microscopy

Origin

IgorPro

Description du poste

PhD opening – water structuring and dynamics in cementitious LDH phases

KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.

The PhD candidate will be supervised by prof. Ruben Snellings and dr. Eric Breynaert at the Dept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Dept. of Microbial and Molecular Systems of KU Leuven. The PhD candidate will work in a collaborative fundamental research project with access to beyond-state-of-the-art facilities.
Website unit

Project

Concrete, a composite material held together by hydrated cement, is the number one synthesized material by man-kind and responsible for 7% of global CO2 emissions.Promising low carbon cementscontain large amounts of layered double hydroxides (LDH), layered metal hydroxides containing water and anions in their interlayers.Gaining molecular level insight in theirstructure and propertiesis key to enabletheessentialtransition to low CO2 cement and concrete. The PhD opening is part of the LDH2O project. Theproject focuses on resolving the structural role of water in cement LDH phases. Using NMR crystallography, a powerful combination of advanced NMR spectroscopy, diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques, the project will shed new light on how the LDH interlayer architecture and hydration states are determined by the interlayer anion groups. This is important as changes in the LDH structure and properties impact the way concrete responds to changes in temperature, humidity, or aggressive environments.

The PhD position is embedded in an internationally reputed scientific environment with a competitive48 monthfull-time grant. The position implies the following responsibilities and tasks:

• Synthesize layered double hydroxides relevant to LDH2O and engage in molecular level characterisation of their structure and properties using NMR spectroscopy, X-ray scattering and Diffraction and/or Electron Microscopy;
• Participate actively in theproject as well as the research groupmeetings andtaking part in group activities and shared responsibilities;
• Follow the doctoral training programme of the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School (through journal publications, conference participation, and coursework);
• Supervise MSc and BSc dissertationsrelated to yourresearch topic;
• Provide training toBScandMScstudents;
• Contribute to writing peer reviewed papers, reports and grant applications (e.g. personal scholarship).

For some aspects of the project you will work individually, in other cases, you will operate as part of a small team.

Profile

The candidate holds or will obtain in the near future a MSc in Geoscience/Mineralogy; MSc in Chemistry or Bio-engineering; MSc in Materials or Civil Engineering; or equivalent. We are looking for a candidate with excellent gradings and a strong inorganic (geo)chemistry background, familiar with material characterisation techniques and strategies. Showing motivation to become proficient in advanced analytical techniques, including XRD, NMR and TEM is a must.

The candidate should be communicative and proficient in written and spoken English (complying to the KU Leuven language requirements, see: https://set.kuleuven.be/phd/applicants/languagerequirements).

Ideally, the candidate:

• can demonstrate experience in scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, etc.) and data analysis;
• is a team player;
• naturally takes initiative;
• can demonstrate thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint ;
• has experience working with MATLAB, Origin, IgorPro,..

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at [e-mail].

Offer

• The successful candidate will receive a full-time scholarship for four years for research in view of obtaining a PhD-degree in (Engineering) Science.
• You will work mainly in the Dept. Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Dept. Microbial and Molecular Systems with collaboration opportunities in the Materials and Civil Engineering departments on the campus Arenberg of KU Leuven.
• You will receive training from the Arenberg Doctoral School at University of Leuven.
• You will have access to top-notch analytical facilities and technical support.
• You will participate in experiments and learn how to use renowned large-scale facilities, including synchrotrons (e.g. ESRF, PETRA), high-field NMR centers (e.g. NMRCoRe, NHFML) and neutron facilities (ILL).
• You will gain experience in transferable skills and receive personalized mentoring.
• You will have the opportunity to participate in local and international conferences and build your scientific network.
• Funding is available but the successful candidate will be encouraged to also apply for additional fellowships.
• The position is available immediately.The start date is negotiable.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ruben Snellings, tel.: [phone], mail: [e-mail] or Dr. Eric Breynaert, tel.: [phone], mail: [e-mail].

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Job details

Title

PhD opening – water structuring and dynamics in cementitious LDH phases

2025-11-14 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
2025-11-14 23:59 (CET)

Closing on: 2025-11-04 (Europe/Brussels)

Closing on: 2025-12-01 (Europe/Brussels)

Closing on: 2025-12-17 (Europe/Brussels)

Closing on: 2025-11-17 (Europe/Brussels)

Closing on: 2025-11-12 (Europe/Brussels)

Closing on: 2025-11-14 (Europe/Brussels)