Research Associate in Mineral Construction Materials

University of Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Cycle to work

EV salary sacrifice

Staff discounts

Professional development

Job summary

University of Bath is seeking a researcher to join the X-SeeO 2 project. You will develop mechanochemistry pathways for cementitious materials and study how processing changes chemical reactivity and microstructure.

Your work will combine lab studies with synchrotron analysis and modelling to advance decarbonised cement technologies. The role involves collaboration across international partners and may require travel within the UK and abroad, supported by state-of-the-art facilities at Bath and

Qualifications

• Must hold a first degree and a doctoral degree in closely related fields.
• Strong background in cementitious materials chemistry and mineral processing.
• Experience modelling Portland and non-Portland cements.
• Familiar with relationships between cement chemistry, phase assemblage and pore development.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanochemistry pathways for cementitious materials.
• Determine correlations between mineral properties from different sources.
• Elucidate how mechanochemical activation affects microstructure of reaction products.
• Apply laboratory and synchrotron analytical characterisation techniques and modelling.

Skills

Cementitious materials chemistry

Mineral processing

CO2 mineralisation

Material modelling

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Travel willingness

Education

First degree in Materials Science, Geology, Environmental Science or related

Doctoral degree in Materials Science, Geology, Environmental Science or related

Job description

The role is part of an exciting partnership with the University of Malaga in Spain, University of Manchester in the UK, and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), France, within the framework of the consortium, X-SeeO 2 - 'Real-time X-ray diffraction and microstructure imaging: accelerating the transformation of cementitious materials into CO 2 sinks' . This project is funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) under the Pathfinder "Towards Cement and Concrete as Carbon Sinks" Challenge. The Challenge seeks to support breakthrough innovations and (alternative) pathways for producing decarbonised and carbon-negative cement and concrete while maintaining its structural integrity and durability.

The 'X-SeeO 2 ' project has been selected as a key 'enabling technology', and as part of the University of Bath team you will develop mechanochemistry pathways for the development of cementitious materials. You will determine the existing correlations between the properties of minerals of different provenances, and the effect of mechanochemical processing on their chemical reactivity. You will elucidate how to mechanochemically activated materials influence the microstructural features of reaction products formed in blended cements produced with them. This will be achieved by applying laboratory and synchrotron analytical materials characterisation techniques. This complemented by modelling of the processes developed and materials evaluated.

About you

• Hold a first degree and doctoral degree in Materials Science, Geology, Environmental Science or closely related disciplines
• Have a strong background in cementitious materials chemistry and/or mineral processing
• Experience in the characterisation and modelling of Portland and/or non-Portland cements
• A demonstrated understanding of the interrelationships between the chemistry of the cements evaluated, their phase assemblage and their pore structure development
• Experience on CO 2 mineralisation, CO 2 curing and/or carbonation of cementitious materials
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and be willing to collaborate with a dynamic, collegial, and multi-disciplinary team of researcher at the University of Bath, and the different partner Universities and the organisations comprising the X-SeeO 2 consortium
• Be able to travel often within the UK and internationally

The ideal applicant will conduct the research in recently refurbished laboratories in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, as well as central facilities in the Faculty of Engineering and Design at the University of Bath. You will also enjoy access to the state-of-the-art characterisation facilities at the Henry Royce Institute at the University of Manchester, and University of Malaga, as well as access to the world-leading X-ray facilities of the European Synchrotron.

Further information

This is a full time (36.5 hours) fixed term role with a duration of 12 months.

What we can offer you

• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
• Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• A family-friendly workplace
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
• Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app

Be Well at Bath

• Staff support groups and networks
• A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
• A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive

Find out more about being at your best at Bath .

Further details

• Job Description & Person Specification

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Right to Work in the UK: We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.

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