Research Associate

Biochar Optimisation and Material Characterisation for Low-Carbon Construction and Environmental Materials

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the flagship SmartChar programme, a five-year, EPSRC funded research programme focused on developing self-sensing, low-carbon concrete infrastructure through the integration of biochar materials, advanced fibre optic sensing, and digital technologies.

This role focuses on the assessment, optimisation and advanced characterisation of biomass-derived biochar and biochar production technologies for use in low-carbon concrete, as well as wider biochar applications in civil and environmental engineering. The postholder will help establish the material and process foundation for the programme by investigating how feedstock type, pyrolysis technology, reactor configuration, process conditions and resulting biochar properties influence performance in construction-related applications.

The position combines biochar production and process optimisation, pilot-scale pyrolysis trials, reactor system comparison, mass and energy balance assessment, emissions/yield evaluation and advanced material characterisation. This will include working with rotary kiln and auger pyrolysis systems, generating process datasets, and applying characterisation techniques such as TGA/DSC, FTIR, BET and XRD, alongside functional testing such as water holding capacity, hydrophobicity and thermal behaviour.

The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues in Aston’s EBRI, AIPT, Department of Civil Engineering and the wider programme team and its industrial partners.