Research Associate – Carbonation Treatment of Waste Materials

Job reference: SAE-029224
Salary: £37,174 - £45,413 per annum depending on experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Manchester
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
Hours Per Week: Full time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 22/07/2025
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 12 months
School/Directorate: School of Engineering

The School of Engineering has an opportunity for a Research Associate, working with Prof Cise Unluer, to make a leading contribution to ongoing projects involving the integration of industrial wastes and permanent storage of CO2 in construction materials, with the goal of contributing towards decarbonising concrete.

The primary aim of this research project is to develop and maximise the sustainability potential of a range of carbon-neutral construction products through the incorporation of novel cementitious binders and locally available waste materials with the ability to absorb CO2 while gaining high strength and durability.

Overall purpose of the job

Applications are invited for a post of Research Associate, tenable from 1 October 2025, to support the development of sustainable cement binder 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 a range of carbon-neutral construction products through the incorporation of novel cementitious binders and locally available waste materials with the ability to absorb CO2 while gaining high strength and durability.

The Research Associate (RA) will look into different waste materials and industrial by-products with the potential to be used as cement and aggregate replacements, and design different treatment options for each, focused around their participation in hydration and carbonation reactions. This will involve analysing the reaction mechanisms and phase formations under different conditions (including the quantification of different crystalline and amorphous phases via various methods) and using this information to optimise treatment options and subsequent mix designs, where these wastes will be used as cement/aggregate replacements. Further analysis will involve mechanical and durability assessment and detailed microstructural analyses.

Previous experience in carbonation treatment of cementitious materials, concrete sample preparation and assessment, mechanical testing and microstructural characterisation (XRD, TGA, FTIR and SEM-EDX) and chemical synthesis and analysis is required.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. We would particularly welcome applications from women and BAME applicants. All appointments will be made on merit.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Cise Unluer

Email: cise.unluer@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

Email: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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