Doctoral Researcher in Reused Concrete Carbon & Durability

About us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine.
Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.

Your role

The PhD is embedded in the national Climate Nexus Framework Convention with the target to boost climate readiness and global cooperation. The interdisciplinary research group by the Department of Engineering and Department of Physics and Materials Science investigates Carbon Capture in concrete.

The aim of this Ph.D. project is to quantify carbon intake and its impacts on the properties of concrete produced through direct reuse. Moreover, an ambitious healing of pre-existing cracks with a novel bio-based solution involving ,microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) (collaboration with the Department of Physics) will be developed.

The tasks comprise the development of a laboratory campaign of carbon capture on concrete, the development of a reused-concrete durability model, and the design of the rehabilitation with bio-based solutions of the existing cracks.

This groundbreaking research output will lead to the development of truly circular processes in the concrete industry, the long-term sequestration of carbon with concrete structures, and the reduction of carbon emissions linked to the construction sector.

Your profile

This project calls for an open character with a strong knowledge on concrete structures as well as curiosity across discipline boundaries (civil engineering, material science, computer science, and chemistry/biology). We do not expect any single person to be an expert across all these fields, but you must be open to learning about and embracing challenges in fields you may not yet have been working with. We thus warmly encourage you to apply even if you feel that you only partially meet the criteria in terms of background and expertise, as you will have the opportunity to acquire the missing knowledge during the first year of the project.

Requirements:

• Master's degree or equivalent in civil engineering or related area
• Good understanding of the structural behavior and material properties of concrete structures and modelling of civil structures. Knowledge of concrete durability and circular economy is a plus
• Curiosity, a genuine passion for scientific research
• Openness to interdisciplinary research and commitment to teamwork
• Commitment and capacity to critical thinking and good research ethics
  

Language Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission - Doctoral Candidates.

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08170

The yearly gross salary for every Doctoral researcher at the UL is EUR 43445 (full time).