At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct X-ray imaging research on cement materials, focusing on carbonation processes.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge consortium with top universities and facilities in Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fantastic pension scheme, health services, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel and collaboration across Europe with leading researchers.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team tackling climate change through advanced technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in X-ray computed tomography and 3D image analysis is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Partnering with the University of Bath, the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), France, and led by the University of Malaga (UMA), we have formed a consortium, X-SeeO2, that has been selected by the EIC under the Pathfinder \"Cement as Carbon Sinks\\\" Challenge call to receive €4 million in funding. The Challenge seeks to support breakthrough innovations and (alternative) pathways for decarbonized and carbon-negative cement and concrete while maintaining its structural integrity and durability. This is important because cement and concrete technologies contribute around 8% of our CO2 emissions (about 600 kg per capita), which are \"embodied\" in our buildings and infrastructures.
Our \'X-SeeO2\' project has been selected as a key \'enabling technology\'. This means that the micro-computed tomography (microCT) analysis methods that reveal the 3D structure and evolution of microstructure of concrete non-destructively will be developed within the National X-ray Computed Tomography facility (NXCT) located in the Royce Institute at Manchester and at the ESRF. This capability will then be made available to other innovation research teams funded by the \"Cement as Carbon Sinks\\\" Challenge to accelerate and improve the products and technologies they develop.
The successful candidate will help to develop protocols for imaging, characterizing and quantifying the various cement phases as well as the porosity (volume fraction, pore size, connectivity etc) using lab and synchrotron X-ray CT as well as developing new characterization modalities. In addition the researcher will liaise with, and support, the time resolved characterisation of low carbon cements of other teams within the Pathfinder challenge. The successful applicant will be based in Manchester but also make trips to the ESRF in Grenoble as well as to our collaborators in Malaga and Bath. Others within the group will develop in situ rigs for studying the kinetics of the hydration and carbonation reactions (ex-situ and in-situ) by laboratory and synchrotron powder diffraction (for crystalline component time-evolution) and laboratory and synchrotron computer tomography (for microstructure time-evolution, including carbonate-shrinkage). The diffraction studies will be carried out by other X-SeeO2 staff.
Overall Purpose of the Job
The successful candidate will carry out X-ray imaging/tomographic research on cementitious materials, with the focus being the carbonation processes. The team at the ESRF will develop an in-situ carbonation cell under moderate CO2 pressures. The researcher will develop 3D image analysis protocols to characterise cement microstructural development and apply them to undertake time resolved and ex-situ studies of cementitious materials within the Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility (which leads the National Facility for Lab. X-ray CT (nxct.ac.uk)) in Manchester, which is one of the most extensive suites of CT scanners in Europe. They will also undertake and support some experiments at the ESRF.
The post holder will be located at the University of Manchester but will be expected to carry out some experiments at the ESRF and to travel to the collaborators to attend meetings.
The successful applicant will be expected to show a high level of initiative. To have experience of X-ray computed tomography and the analysis of the resulting 3D images. They should enjoy being part of an international team and look forwards to working with researchers from across the Challenge program in Europe. They should be confident in presenting the outcomes of our research to consortium members and more widely as well be able to contribute to journal papers and periodic reporting.
As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
What you will get in return:
- Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any CV\'s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Prof. Philip Withers
Email: p.j.withers@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Associate in X-ray Imaging of Cementitious Materials - X-SeeO2 in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
As a leading research institution, the University of Manchester offers an exceptional work environment for the Research Associate in X-ray Imaging of Cementitious Materials. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative international team, employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive health and wellbeing programme. The university's commitment to inclusivity and innovation makes it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful contributions to sustainable construction technologies.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in X-ray Imaging of Cementitious Materials - X-SeeO2 in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in X-ray imaging and tomography, particularly in relation to cementitious materials. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field by attending relevant conferences or workshops. Engaging with experts can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with 3D image analysis and any related projects you've worked on. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work in an international team by highlighting any previous collaborative projects. Emphasising your teamwork skills will align well with the consortium's focus on collaboration across Europe.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in X-ray Imaging of Cementitious Materials - X-SeeO2 in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills. Highlight your experience with X-ray imaging and 3D image analysis in your application.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect relevant experiences that align with the job requirements. Emphasise any previous work with cementitious materials, X-ray computed tomography, and teamwork in international settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for research in carbon-negative technologies. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your initiative and ability to contribute to the X-SeeO2 project.
Proofread and Edit:Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Understand the Project Goals
Familiarise yourself with the X-SeeO2 project and its objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your skills in X-ray imaging and characterisation of cementitious materials can contribute to the project's aim of developing carbon-negative cement technologies.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Highlight your experience with X-ray computed tomography and 3D image analysis. Be ready to provide examples of past projects where you successfully applied these techniques, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working with an international team, express your enthusiasm for collaboration. Share experiences where you have effectively worked in a team setting, especially in research environments, to show that you can thrive in a collaborative atmosphere.
✨Prepare for Questions on Innovation
Expect questions about how you would approach developing new protocols for imaging and characterising cement phases. Think creatively about potential challenges in the project and be ready to discuss innovative solutions or methodologies you might employ.
