Post-doctoral Fellow/research Associate

Te Tari Pūhanga Metarahi me te Taiao | Civil and Environmental Engineering Department
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand
- Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
- Fixed-term position (1 year)
- Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā_
- He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Kairangahau Tāur? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei._

**Āu Mahi | What You Will Do**
We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Associate to assist with multiple areas of the low-carbon materials research programme.

In this project, you will assist research students and faculty and conduct research to support the development of low-carbon binders and sustainable concrete construction. This work will seek to develop the low-carbon binders using a variety of different materials and minerals available both within New Zealand and internationally. You will utilize a variety of analytical equipment (ie. SEM-EDX, XRF, XRD, TGA, FTIR, GC) to assess and model the hydration and microstructural development of various cement binder systems and quantify the pore structure (ie. Resistivity, permeability ) of concrete produced from materials. Processing of the material to enhance reactivity or sequester CO2 may also be an important component of the work.

The research team is primarily based at the University of Canterbury but we expect there will be opportunities to work with internationally recognised leading researchers. The position offers many continuous professional development opportunities, including the ability to co-write research grant proposals and more practically orientated industrial work.

For more information about the project and the team can be found as follows:
**Key research responsibilities include**:

- Ensure that research design and testing is of the highest standard by appropriate analysis and presentation of results, communicating findings as appropriate, including the writing of papers and reports and if appropriate attending conferences and meetings.
- Maintain confidentiality concerning all aspects of the project, as required to retain intellectual property rights.
- Develop and maintain contact with other potential collaborators.
- Assist in supervision and mentorship of postgraduate students and other members of the research group.
- Maintain awareness of current developments in own area of expertise.
- Actively participate as a team member of the research group.
- Assist with/participate in focus group discussions, interviews etc. as required.

**Key administrative and management responsibilities include**:

- Provide assistance with the day-to-day management of group research activities, and in general, assist with other research tasks necessary for the success of projects components being undertaken by the research group.
- Carry out administrative functions, limited in scope and time, primarily connected with the research being undertaken.
- Attend and actively contribute to meetings and seminars.
- Research, collate and analyse information, and summarise findings in a variety of formats, including spread sheets and graphic work.
- Develop and implement electronic and paper-based filing, recording and archiving systems.
- Facilitate and coordinate project work, including developing project plans, participating in project team meetings, and project implementation.

**Mōu | Who You Are**
You will ideally have the following:

- a PhD in Civil Engineering, Material Science, Chemical and Process Engineering or a related discipline (for the Postdoctoral rank)
- a Master's degree in related discipline (for the Research Associate rank)
- a publication track record as well as experience with preparation and delivery of quality oral presentations to a wide range of audiences is essential
- A research background and expert knowledge of cement chemistry including: geopolymers, calcined clay based materials, carbon dioxide capture, waste immobilization in concrete, low carbon binders or mineral reactions is required
- Additional knowledge and research background in either carbon dioxide capture, low carbon binders or mineral reactions is desirable
- Demonstrated experience of excellent research capabilities (design and leadership) required to carry out innovative and insightful research
- Practical work and experience in casting of concrete and assessing physical and durability properties and testing rheological properties would be highly desirable
- Ability to use XRF, XRD, SEM-EDX, TGA, FTIR, GC and other analytical tools
- A proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to a wide variety or groups including scientific and non-scientific audiences
- Strong quantitative and data analysis skills, numerical modelling, and programming
- Ability and willingness to undertake collaborative research
- The ability to work creatively and independently.
- Act in accordance with the requirements of professiona