Research Associate

About the role:

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position as part of a four-year research project that strives to develop and optimise limestone calcined clay cement technology using abundant local clay resources. The project is funded by EPSRC and is titled “Engineered UK clays for production of low-carbon cements” (https://gow.epsrc.ukri.org/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/W022583/1). This research project involves academic investigators from 3 institutions (Imperial College London, University of Leeds, British Geological Survey), and various industrial and academic partners in the UK and internationally.

What you would be doing:

You will be responsible for completing a strategic assessment of the UK’s activated clay resources, which will synthesise results generated throughout the project duration and across the consortium. Results will be compared with conventional UK-based Portland cement and concrete production to quantify the trade-offs between the technologies.

You will also make regular contributions to a variety of normal academic tasks, including management of research projects, positively interacting and communicating with internal and external stakeholders, developing research proposals, supervision of masters students, demonstrating research excellence and leadership to more junior members of the Research Group. You will collaborate with several postdocs and PhD students also working in the project consortium, at Imperial and the University of Leeds, and scientists at the British Geological Survey. You will thus receive strong mentoring in a highly stimulating academic research environment, with access to internationally leading academics, industrial partners, research facilities, and networks.

What we are looking for:

• A PhD in engineering, science, economics or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Experience of life cycle assessment
• Experience of technoeconomic analysis and/or life cycle costing and/or engineering feasibility studies
• Basic understanding of material properties
• Productive track record of publishing high-quality papers in peer-reviewed journals

Please refer to the job description for the full list of duties and requirements.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

This role is for a full time, fixed-term contract for 10 months, with a planned start date of 2 March 2026.

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Professor Hong Wong at hong.wong@imperial.ac.uk or Dr Rupert Myers at r.myers@imperial.ac.uk.

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to Briony Webb at b.webb@imperial.ac.uk.  

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds and disabilities. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the interview process and to perform crucial job functions, as well as other support including staff networks. Please contact us to request accommodation

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