At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a pioneering team to innovate low-carbon concrete using biochar and advanced sensing technologies.
- Company: Aston University, located in vibrant Birmingham with a focus on research and development.
- Benefits: Generous leave, discounts, family-friendly policies, and access to on-site gym and pool.
- Other info: Opportunities for flexible working and career growth in an inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable infrastructure while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in materials research and performance evaluation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the flagship SmartChar programme, a five-year, EPSRC funded research programme focused on developing self-sensing, low‑carbon concrete infrastructure through the integration of biochar materials, advanced fibre optic sensing, and digital technologies. This role focuses on understanding and optimising the performance of biochar‑enhanced concrete.
The successful candidate will contribute to WP2: Biochar-Concrete Interaction and Performance, which forms the scientific core of SmartChar. You will undertake experimental materials research, advanced characterisation, and performance evaluation, generating robust datasets to support digital modelling, lifecycle assessment and standards development. Working closely with the wider programme team and industrial partners, you will help ensure that materials developed are scalable, reliable and suitable for real‑world application.
What we offer:
- Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of 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.
This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities.
The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions. Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace.
Guidance on AI‑Assisted Applications: While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities. We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.
Postdoc: Biochar-Concrete Innovation & Sensing in Birmingham employer: Aston University
Aston University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment in the heart of Birmingham with excellent transport links. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, extensive training opportunities, and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, making it an ideal place for personal and professional growth. The university's focus on innovative research and collaboration with industry partners ensures that your contributions will have a meaningful impact on real-world applications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoc: Biochar-Concrete Innovation & Sensing in Birmingham
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your research experiences and how they relate to biochar-concrete innovation. Make it clear how your skills can contribute to their projects.
✨Follow Up
After any interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only streamlines the process but also shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoc: Biochar-Concrete Innovation & Sensing in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for biochar and concrete innovation! Share why this research excites you and how your background aligns with our SmartChar programme. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight relevant experience in materials research, characterisation, and performance evaluation. We want to see how your skills fit into the WP2: Biochar-Concrete Interaction and Performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Explain how your previous work has prepared you for this role and what unique insights you can bring to the team. Keep it engaging and concise!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing benefits there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aston University
✨Know Your Biochar Basics
Make sure you brush up on the fundamentals of biochar and its applications in concrete. Understanding how biochar interacts with concrete materials will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into experimental materials research and performance evaluation. Review your past projects and be ready to discuss specific methodologies, results, and how they relate to the SmartChar programme's goals.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with a wider programme team and industrial partners. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before, highlighting your communication skills and ability to contribute to group objectives.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the future direction of the SmartChar programme or how your role will impact real-world applications. This shows your enthusiasm and forward-thinking mindset.
