Research Fellow, School of Natural and Built Environment

To carry out experimental and theoretical research on the technical characterisation of CDW-derived materials for the production of building elements. This approach, developed by Prof Marios Soutsos and his colleagues, is supported by H2020 RE4 Research Project.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Undertake research on the following:

- to define the composition of representative samples of CDW after sorting for assessing potentiality of recycle applications for each fraction,
- to assess the quality of the obtained materials (sorted/unsorted mineral aggregates, ceramics, plastic, wood and timber) in terms of both chemical and physical properties,
- to define the effect of quality variability on the technical properties of developed products (e.g. compressive strength for concrete applications, thermal conductivity for insulation applications, level of reuse or recycling of timber elements),
- to define quality classes for utilisation in different applications (structural, non-structural),
- to assess the potential reactivity for alkali activation of masonry and ceramic fractions.

• Design, develop and refine experimental apparatus, field research or experiments in order to obtain reliable data.
• Carry out analyses, critical evaluations, and interpretations using methodologies and other techniques appropriate to area of research.
• Present regular progress reports on research to members of the research group or to external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings.
• Prepare, often in consultation with supervisor, material for publication in national and international journals and presentations at international conferences.
• Assist grant holder in the preparation of funding proposals and applications to external bodies.
• Carry out routine administrative tasks associated with the research project/s to ensure that project/s are completed on time and within budget. These might include organisation of project meetings and documentation, financial control, risk assessment of research activities.
• Carry out occasional undergraduate supervision, demonstrating or lecturing duties within the post holder’s area of expertise and under the direct guidance of a member of academic staff.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks to keep abreast of developments in own specialism and related disciplines.

Planning and Organising:

• Plan for specific aspects of research programmes. Timescales range from 1-6 months in advance and contribute to research group planning.
• Plan for the use of research resources, laboratories and workshops where appropriate.
• Plan own day-to day activity within framework of the agreed research programme.
• Plan up to a year in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for conferences.
• Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress.

Resource Management Responsibilities:

• Ensure research resources are used in an effective and efficient manner.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research.

Internal and External Relationships:

• Liaise on a regular basis with colleagues and students.
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.
• Join external networks to share information and ideas.
• Contribute to the School’s outreach programme by establishing links with local community groups, industries etc.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• 1 degree or higher (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering or a physical science.
• A PhD (or about to complete) in concrete technology, chemistry, geology, materials science, or physics.
• At least 3 years’ relevant research experience, e.g., experience in working in a research institution, and, experience in concrete technology, chemistry, geology, materials science, or physics.
• Experience in laboratory work.
• Sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.
• Ability to contribute to teaching in UG and PG programmes related to the subject of research.
• Ability to contribute to broader management and administrative processes.
• Contribute to the School’s outreach programme by links with industry, community groups etc. Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks.
• Ability to deal professionally with partners from industry.
• Demonstrable intellectual ability.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to assess and organise resources.
• Ability to report weekly to Principal Investigator and agree programme of work.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and schedules agreed with Principal Investigator.
• Willing to travel abroad to attend project meetings and carry out joint research activities.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Good publication record commensurate with the stage in career.
• Evidence of working in industry or collaborating with industrial partners.
• Evidence of taking lead role in some investigations.
• Evidence of being open to new ideas and new ways of doing things.
• Ability to start immediately.