KTP Associate in Low Carbon Cement Technologies

Do you have a strong background in inorganic chemistry and/or geochemistry that can be transferable to study Portland or non-Portland cements produced from metallurgical slags? Are you familiar with the design, characterisation and testing of cements? Are you keen to learn about chemical admixtures for cements, and their role in controlling cement performance?

This is an exciting opportunity for a driven doctoral graduate with the ability and confidence to manage a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project between Sika Ltd and The University of Bath.

Employed and supported by an academic team from the University of Bath, you will be based at Sika Ltd premises in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.

This KTP project provides a unique opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills to a real industry challenge whilst benefitting from industrial and academic supervision and mentoring from the University’s experts Professor Susan Bernal Lopez and Dr Xinyuan Ke who will enhance your technical expertise in the fundamental physical chemistry of low-carbon cement materials.

Holding a doctoral degree (or close to completion) in Materials, Chemical or Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, or a closely allied discipline, you will have a good experience in slag-based cement materials, their design, characterisation and testing. You will have excellent interpersonal skills and be willing to learn and collaborate with a vibrant and dynamic team of researchers across the University of Bath and Sika Ltd.

As a KTP Associate you will be the project lead, managing your own workload to ensure outputs, including leading on meetings. You will also acquire new skills in strategic leadership that can help to super-charge your career.

Additional benefits:

• A generous Personal Development budget and time allowance

• Potential to fast-track a career in industry

• Access to mentoring sessions through Innovate UK Business Connect

It is essential that you understand how KTP works with business and the University and the vital role you will play https://iuk-ktp.org.uk

Any questions about this role email partnerships@bath.ac.uk

There is a two-stage interview held on different dates with an in person interview at Sika Ltd.

This role must start no later than 18th April due to funding requirements.

The construction industry needs to rapidly find ways of decarbonising, to meet national and international sustainability targets. This KTP aims to contribute to such efforts by developing novel chemical admixtures for the development of binders based on blast furnace slag (BFS), a by-product derived from iron manufacture. This will be achieved by (i) conducting a market and regulatory analysis, (ii) carrying out feasibility studies for the production of slag-rich cements and (iii) developing chemical admixtures and cementitious products compliant with standards and codes. These activities will be complemented by knowledge transfer from all participants, and a tailored KTP associate training programme, including specialised courses delivered by the University of Bath.