Research Associate

Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand
- Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
- Fixed-term position (2 years)
- 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 Research Associate or Postdoctoral Fellow to undertake specified duties to assist with Derisking Carbon Dioxide Removal at Megatonne Scale in Aotearoa/New Zealand research, under the Megaton Carbon Removal MBIE research program.

In this project, you will assist research students and faculty and conduct research to support Task 1.2: Bioash Capture & Cement Experiments. This work will seek to develop the potential use of biomass ash as a material for both sequestration of CO2 and the development of low carbon binder systems for construction. You will utilize a variety of analytical equipment (ie. XRD, FTIR ) 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 the biomass ash and other materials.

The research team is multi-institutional and you will be working with leaders internationally recognised in their field for making a truly positive impact on reversing water quality pollution. The position offers many continuous professional development opportunities, including the ability to co-write research grant proposals.
- **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**
To be successful in the role, you will ideally have the following:

- a PhD in civil engineering, 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 and concrete materials 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 would be highly desirable
- ability to use XRF, XRD, SEM, TGA, FTIR 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 professional integrity in the workplace.

**Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With**
The role of the Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering (CNRE) is to remain at the forefront of research and technology and preserve our strong international reputation for high quality teaching. We aim to constantly develop our