"Postdoctoral Associate in Sustainable Construction Materials"

The Advanced Materials and Building Efficiency Research Laboratory (AMBER Lab) at New York University Abu Dhabi seeks to recruit a postdoctoral associate to work on the development, characterization, and applications of sustainable construction materials derived from desalination waste. This exciting research will combine innovations in brine-to-cement technologies with advances in low-carbon binders such as reactive magnesium oxide cement (RMC) and belite-calcium sulfoaluminate (BCSA) systems.

The successful applicant will contribute to four main research thrusts: (i) designing and developing chemical and ion-exchange processes for energy- and cost-efficient recovery of minerals and chemicals from desalination reject brine, (ii) utilizing recovered minerals such as brucite (Mg(OH)₂) and CaCO₃ to produce innovative building materials, including RMC- and BCSA-based composites, (iii) studying carbonation and hydration mechanisms in these sustainable binders at the nanoscale using advanced in-situ characterization techniques, and (iv) quantifying the environmental footprint of recovered materials through life-cycle assessment (LCA) and evaluating their economic feasibility through life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA).

This position offers a unique opportunity to pioneer novel sustainable binders that directly address the dual challenges of brine management and CO₂ emissions reduction. The candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team of PhD-level scientists, graduate, and undergraduate students working at the intersection of water treatment, materials science, and civil engineering.

Applicants should have experience in synthesizing and characterizing cementitious composites. Proficiency in characterizing construction materials at the micro/nanoscale using experimental methods such as XRD, SEM, TGA/DSC, NMR, or synchrotron-based techniques for hydration/carbonation studies is required. Experience with Portland cement, reactive MgO cements, belite-calcium sulfoaluminate (BCSA) systems, or other low-carbon binders is needed. A strong background in chemical precipitation, ion-exchange processes, mineral recovery, or related aqueous chemistry techniques is a plus. Familiarity with life-cycle assessment (LCA) and/or life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) applied to construction materials will be beneficial. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, or closely related fields. Candidates with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, as well as problem-solving and decision-making abilities, are preferred.

For consideration, applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, statement of research interests, contact information for at least two references and a transcript, all in PDF format. If you have any questions, please email Dr. Kemal Celik at kemal.celik@nyu.edu. The terms of employment are very competitive and include housing and educational subsidies for children. Applications will be accepted immediately, and candidates will be considered until the position is filled. To be considered, all applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcript of degree, a one-page summary of research accomplishments and interests, and at least 2 letters of recommendation, all in PDF format. Please visit our website at http://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/careers/faculty-positions.html for instructions and information on how to apply.