1 Post-doc position in Experimental Study - Long-Term Performance of Geopolymer Concrete in Netherlands | Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Within the High Tech Materials Programme funded by the Dutch Technology Foundation (STW) and Materials Innovation Institute (M2i), we are looking for an excellent, highly motivated researcher.

Topic: Experimental study of the long-term performance of geopolymer concrete systems

Environment: The Microlab/Section of Materials and Environment is an excellent research group within the Department of Structural Engineering.

Project for postdoc: The aim of the project is to study the long-term performance and degradation mechanisms of geopolymer concretes under aggressive conditions, like chloride ingress, sulfuric acid attack, carbonation and freeze-thaw attack. The correlations between the long-term performance on the one hand and the pore structure and the network structure of the geopolymer on the other hand will be established based on the results of these experimental studies. NMR, FTIR, ESEM and EDS will be used to identify the reaction products and the microstructure of geopolymer paste. Kinetics of the long-term geopolymerization processes will be considered as well. The results of this project will be used as input for the theoretical study on prediction of the long-term performance of geopolymer concretes and/or for validating the prediction of this performance.

Requirements

The candidate for this position should meet the following criteria:

• a PhD (or prospect of being awarded one in the near future) in Civil Engineering Materials or a closely related discipline;
• knowledge about geopolymer systems;
• a strong research record documented by excellent publications in the field;
• experience in cooperative research projects at the national or international level;
• excellent communication skills, with fluency in both spoken and written English.

Conditions of employment

TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home (with a contract of two years or longer), and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

To apply, please e-mail to Dr. Ye the following by 28 February 2014:

• letter of application specifically addressing our position,
• full curriculum vitae including a list of all courses and marks,
• publication list including a one-page summary of your PhD thesis,
• two letters of recommendation (or alternatively the names and email addresses of two references).

When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number CITG14-02.

Contract type: Temporary, 2 years

Organisation

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Department

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Department of Structural Engineering deals with a wide array of subjects, such as sustainable building, road and railway construction, structural mechanics, construction processes and civil engineering structures. In both research and education, innovation plays an important part. The department's work has a strong solution- and application-based focus. The Living Building Concept, for instance, which advocates market forces and allows buildings to adapt to changing demands, is a recent development, as are several self-healing materials.

The mission of the Materials and Environment section is to accumulate and transmit knowledge relating to the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of materials that may be used for architectural and civil engineering applications. Special attention is devoted to sustainability and environmental aspects. The section is subdivided into the following research departments: Concrete Modelling and Material Behaviour; Experimental Micromechanics; Durability; Sustainability; and Resources and Recycling. The section has a microlab and a recycling lab at its disposal.