Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Location: Aston University Main Campus

Contract Type: Fixed Term (31/03/2027)

Basis: Part Time (0.5)

We’re thrilled to announce the groundbreaking £0.8M project, “Advancing the Use of Biochar in the Building Industry: A Multi-Stakeholder Study”, funded by the UKRI Cross Research Council Responsive Mode (CRCRM) Scheme. Spearheaded by the prestigious research teams at Heriot-Watt University, Aston University, and the University of Birmingham, this innovative project is set to revolutionize sustainable building practices.

What’s in store?

• Discover the Power of Biochar: A game-changing material with the potential to transform the building industry, offering a wealth of commercial, environmental, and health benefits.
• Boost Carbon Reduction: Explore how biochar cementitious composites can significantly reduce energy use and carbon emissions across various building types.
• Real Environmental Impact: Conduct a life cycle analysis of biochar composites to unlock carbon credits and further environmental advantages.
• Create Holistic Value: Co-create qualitative and quantitative indicators with industry stakeholders to express the full potential of biochar in low-carbon construction.
• A Blueprint for the Future: Develop a decision support framework to help the building industry seamlessly integrate biochar into their projects, with transferrable insights for other materials.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration at Its Best! This project brings together experts from civil engineering, building modelling, and social science to explore new horizons in low-carbon construction. Stakeholder collaboration is key to ensuring biochar's value is realized across the industry.

The advertised position is for a researcher to work with Professor Dulini Fernando (and the rest of the team members) on:

• Developing and expediting a methodology for stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle.
• Developing qualitative and quantitative indicators to express the value of biochar in buildings via a stakeholder methodology
• Collecting, analysing and presenting data related to stakeholders at all phases of the project
• Delivering a decision support framework for adopting biochar within the building industry
• Working in close collaboration with all of the team members 

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• The role is offered as 'dynamic working', which means working both on campus and from home dependent on the activity.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

For more information in regards to this role please contact Professor Dulini Fernando on d.fernando2@aston.ac.uk for questions.

This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for new applicants to the Skilled Worker visa route.

See here for information about Skilled Worker eligibility criteria: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Sunday 10 May 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 21 May 2026

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