Research Associate in Mineral Construction Materials

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-SeeO2 - 'Real-time X-ray diffraction and microstructure imaging: accelerating the transformation of cementitious materials into CO2 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-SeeO2' 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 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, complemented by modelling of the processes developed and materials evaluated.

The ideal candidate will:
- 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
- Have experience in the characterisation and modelling of Portland and/or non-Portland cements
- Have a demonstrated understanding of the interrelationships between the chemistry of the cements evaluated, their phase assemblage and their pore structure development
- Have experience in CO2 mineralisation, CO2 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 researchers at the University of Bath, and the different partner universities and organisations comprising the X-SeeO2 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.

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

Benefits include:
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff benefits including discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships and LinkedIn Learning
- Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- A family-friendly workplace
- 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
- Staff support groups and networks, a network of Staff Wellbeing Champions, and a suite of tools and resources to support wellbeing