KTP Associate in Sustainable Cementitious Materials

Main duties & Responsibilities

• Characterising Filter Cake Clay (FCC) to determine its mineralogical and chemical composition for suitability as a Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) in blended cements using techniques including (but not limited to) laser diffractometry, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, scanning or transmission electron microscopy, and spectroscopic techniques.
• Develop and optimise thermal activation and grinding processes (or a combination of these processes) to enhance FCC reactivity for use as SCMs in low-carbon concrete.
• Determination of the mechanical strength (e.g. compressive, flexural and tensile) and transport properties (e.g. porosity) of pastes/mortars/concretes
• Design and conduct concrete mix trials incorporating FCC-based SCM, assessing strength, durability performance, and dimensional stability of activated FCC-based concrete against industry standards.
• Perform environmental and sustainability assessments, including Life Cycle Analysis and preparation of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
• Create manufacturing protocols and compliance documentation to support commercialisation and certification of FCC-based SCM.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer within the company, delivering training, workshops, and standard operating procedures to embed new processes.
• Contribute to the dissemination of research results by publication in leading peer-reviewed journals and by presentation at national and international meetings

To transform Construction, Demolition and Excavation waste into a low-carbon Supplementary Cementitious Material by developing processing routes for excavated Filter Cake Clay from a Yorkshire-based Wash Plant. This cement alternative will reduce concrete’s carbon footprint, divert landfill waste, and support sustainable construction through decarbonisation, improved material performance and higher-value applications.