Research Associate in Mineral Construction Materials (SB13933) - Bath, BA2 7AY in Bathford

About the role

The role is part of an exciting partnership with the University of Malaga in Spain, University of Manchester in the UK, and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), France, within the framework of the consortium, X-SeeO2 - ‘Real-time X-ray diffraction and microstructure imaging: accelerating the transformation of cementitious materials into CO2 sinks’. This project is funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) under the Pathfinder “Towards Cement and Concrete as Carbon Sinks” Challenge. The Challenge seeks to support breakthrough innovations and (alternative) pathways for producing decarbonised and carbon-negative cement and concrete while maintaining its structural integrity and durability.

The 'X-SeeO2' project has been selected as a key 'enabling technology', and as part of the University of Bath team you will develop mechanochemistry pathways for the development of cementitious materials. You will determine the existing correlations between the properties of minerals of different provenances, and the effect of mechanochemical processing on their chemical reactivity. You will elucidate how to mechanochemically activated materials influence the microstructural features of reaction products formed in blended cements produced with them. This will be achieved by applying laboratory and synchrotron analytical materials characterisation techniques, complemented by modelling of the processes developed and materials evaluated.

About you

• Hold a first degree and doctoral degree in Materials Science, Geology, Environmental Science or closely related disciplines.
• Have a strong background in cementitious materials chemistry and/or mineral processing.
• Experience in the characterisation and modelling of Portland and/or non-Portland cements.
• A demonstrated understanding of the interrelationships between the chemistry of the cements evaluated, their phase assemblage and their pore structure development.
• Experience on CO2 mineralisation, CO2 curing and/or carbonation of cementitious materials.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and be willing to collaborate with a dynamic, collegial, and multi-disciplinary team of researchers at the University of Bath, and the different partner Universities and organisations comprising the X-SeeO2 consortium.
• Be able to travel often within the UK and internationally.

The ideal applicant will conduct the research in recently refurbished laboratories in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, as well as central facilities in the Faculty of Engineering and Design at the University of Bath. You will also enjoy access to the state-of-the-art characterisation facilities at the Henry Royce Institute at the University of Manchester, and University of Malaga, as well as access to the world-leading X-ray facilities of the European Synchrotron.

This is a full time (36.5 hours) fixed term role with a duration of 12 months.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university.

We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment. We’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

What we can offer you

• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance.
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym.
• Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more.
• Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath.
• A family-friendly workplace.
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce.
• Relocation allowance.
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses.
• Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app.

Be Well at Bath

We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including: Staff support groups and networks, a network of Staff Wellbeing Champions, and a suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive.