The section for Materials and Durability at DTU Sustain is seeking a PhD candidate with an interest in circular construction for a project on optimization or reactivated cement – is that you?

Responsibilities and qualifications
The construction industry is entering a time of innovation, with a much-needed transition to more sustainable practices. This project focuses on the reactivation of cement and optimizing the cement blend. During the PhD study, the reactivity of recycled cement and thereby the strength development is optimized by the chemical elements that are missing in relation to having the optimal phase development during hardening, as the volume distribution of the phases and the molecular structure are not entirely optimal. Since we want to contribute to a circular economy in the construction industry, it is being investigated whether the missing phases for the strength development can be found in other deposited building materials. The aim is to achieve strength development comparable to new cement through manipulation at the molecular or atomic level by mixing the cement with.

The project consists of three parts:

1. Test and select a methodology for reactivation of cement based on literature, theory, and experiments.
2. Optimization of composition with other waste materials. Thermodynamic modelling and experiments with advanced technologies are used.
3. Development of a new cement recipe based on activation of cement from fibre cement (without asbestos) and chemical optimization with other waste fractions.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree in the field of civil- or architectural engineering or similar fields.

Experience with the following will be highly advantageous:

• Experience in laboratory work, including casting and testing mortar and concrete, as well as the use of general testing and characterization methods, is a prerequisite
• Experience in using X-ray tomography, digital image correlation, TGA, isothermal calorimetry, R3 testing, and XRD is advantageous
• Thermodynamic modelling skills are advantageous
• Life cycle assessment skills are advantageous

The position also requires a small amount of teaching responsibilities. 

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The position is a full-time position, and the starting date is as soon as possible and according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Lisbeth Ottosen (limo@dtu.dk )

You can read more about DTU Sustain  at https://sustain.dtu.dk  

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 19 September (23:59 Danish time) . 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Sustain - Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering - is one of the largest university departments specializing in environmental and resource engineering in Europe. The department conducts research, development & scientific advice and provides educational programs and service to society. We are working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies, methods and solutions, and to disseminate this knowledge to society and future generations of engineers. The Department has approximately 300 staff from more than 30 nationalities.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.