Applications are invited for a post of Research Associate, to work under an Innovate UK funded project (Inciner8-2-Net0: Maximising value of incineration waste and carbon capture for a Net Zero built environment) involving several industrial partners and international collaborators. The project will focus on using incinerator bottom ash (IBA) and CO2 sequestration in developing sustainable cement formulations. You must have, or be about to complete, a PhD qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant academic field.
The primary aim of this research project is to develop and maximise the performance and sustainability potential of construction products by using accelerated carbonation and bio-mineralisation to transform IBA into a valuable resource for the construction industry, simultaneously achieving CO2 sequestration.
Previous experience in concrete sample preparation and assessment, mechanical testing and microstructural characterisation (XRD, TGA, FTIR and SEM-EDX) and chemical synthesis and analysis is required. The PDRA will carry out detailed work of characterisation and treatment of IBA, design of concrete mix formulations, preparation of concrete specimens and detailed microstructural and mechanical analysis.
Candidates who have a strong background in material science and sustainable cementitious binder systems are encouraged to apply. Previous experience in the use of IBA and carbonation in construction products would be highly preferrable, but not required.