"PhD in Microstructure Modeling and Environmental Index Characterization of Sustainable Concrete"

The cement industry is responsible for a significant share of global CO₂ emissions, mainly due to its dependence on clinker—the key constituent of conventional cement. In order to accelerate the decarbonization of construction materials, the C-Sink Project (funded under the EU EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2024) is developing a breakthrough alternative binder system. This system integrates CO₂-sequestered magnesium silicate minerals (such as olivine and pyroxenes) as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). By coupling clinker reduction with permanent CO₂ mineralization, this innovative approach not only lowers embodied carbon but also transforms concrete into a net carbon sink.

The C-Sink project brings together a consortium of seven leading European universities, research institutes, and industrial partners, ensuring a unique environment for high-impact, multidisciplinary research.

Position Description
We are seeking an ambitious and motivated PhD candidate to contribute to the design, testing, and evaluation of next-generation sustainable concretes based on CO₂-sequestered magnesium silicates. The research will combine experimental investigations with numerical modeling to understand hydration, microstructure formation. In addition, the candidate will perform environmental index characterization (including CO₂ balance, life-cycle impacts, and circularity indicators) to position these materials within the broader framework of sustainable construction.

The successful candidate will be based in the Microlab (Section Materials & Environment), Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), and will collaborate closely with other academic and industrial partners across Europe. This provides a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic, international research environment at the intersection of materials science, sustainability, and numerical modeling.

Job requirements
Need-to-haves:
- MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Proven experience in experimental research on construction materials.
- Strong skills in numerical simulation and modeling.
- Excellent communication skills, with proficiency in spoken and written English.
Nice-to-haves:
- Independence and responsibility in research.
- High motivation, good communication/collaboration skills, and team spirit.

Conditions of employment: Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 per month in the first year to €3881 in the fourth year.