Internal Applicants Only – Research Associate

Job title:

Internal Applicants Only – Research Associate

Company:

Cardiff University

Job description

School / DirectorateCardiff School of EngineeringAdvertThis post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only. Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.Internal Applicants Only – Research Associate
Cardiff School of EngineeringAre you passionate about sustainable building materials and eager to contribute to positive change in the construction industry? Join Cardiff University’s School of Engineering for an exciting 3-year project focused on developing low-carbon concrete.The EPSRC-funded LITHICRETE project aims to repurpose mining waste generated during lithium extraction for the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate. With the decline of conventional materials like fly ash and steel slag, finding a sustainable replacement for Portland cement has become critical. LITHICRETE not only addresses this challenge but also provides the lithium industry with an innovative solution for managing its waste by repurposing it in the construction sector.
We are seeking a candidate with a PhD (or near completion) in materials science, civil engineering, geology, chemistry, or a related field. Applicants should have proven expertise in cement and concrete chemistry, as well as a genuine passion for sustainability.The successful candidate will work alongside Dr. Riccardo Maddalena and the RESCOM team at Cardiff University, joining a vibrant community of researchers and PhD students. As a Research and Innovation Associate, you will have access to cutting-edge facilities, including the newly established DURALAB in the School of Engineering, as well as resources in other Schools across the University. You will also participate in real-scale site trials and life cycle assessments.
Beyond technical research, this role offers opportunities to develop a wide range of skills, including digital and networking capabilities, public speaking, and creative communication. You will contribute to producing project outputs for dissemination to the wider public, ensuring your work has a meaningful impact.More info about the project:
LITHICRETE aims to establish lithium slag (LS), a future and new UK waste stream derived from the extraction and processing of battery-grade lithium carbonate, as a key raw material for the sustainable production of concrete.
This project bridges two energy-intensive industrial sectors, battery-grade lithium production and the cement industry. This project will develop a new low-carbon concrete based on lithium slag mining waste for the production of durable and sustainable concrete infrastructure. It will provide an immediate outlet for the 800,000 predicted tonnes of LS per year and in doing so will unite two-energy-intensive industrial sectors (lithium +cement) in minimising both CO2 emissions and waste. The project vision will be achieved through the following objectives: characterise the UK lithium slags’ mineralogical composition and physical properties and assess its compliance against current standards and regulations for use in the construction industry; identify the optimal lithium slag content as a supplementary cementitious material; understand the long-term durability of LS-concrete systems under aggressive conditions; evaluate the economic and environmental benefits using life cycle (costs) assessment tools and actively engage with academics, industry and policy makers to allow use of lithium slags in construction designs and standards.This post is full-time (35 hours per week), available from 01/04/2025 and is fixed term for 36 months or until 31/03/2028 whichever date is earliest.Salary: £40,247 – £45,163 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate appointing this position above point 6.34 salary £42,632 per annum.Job ref: 19473BRFor informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr Riccardo Maddalena at MaddalenaR@cardiff.ac.ukFor further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Karen Baldwin/Chiara Riolo /Bev Jones at Enginadmin@cardiff.ac.ukClosing date: Tuesday, 17 December 2024If is expected that interviews will be held on week commencing 27/01/2025.External applications are currently not being considered for this post. If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.The School of Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply. We will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share opportunities.Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.Post Reference Number19473BRJob DescriptionMain functionTo conduct research within cement and concrete science and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.Research

• To conduct research within cement and concrete science and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to, and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Salary Range Max.45,163GradeGrade 6Salary Range Min.40,247Job CategoryAcademic – ResearchAdditional InformationIMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance, 19473BRCareer PathwayResearchPerson SpecificationEssential CriteriaQualifications and Education
1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area (Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Geology) or relevant industrial experience
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within at least two of the following research fields:
i. Cement and Concrete Science
ii. Mineral processing
iii. Life Cycle Assessment
3. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
4. Proven ability to publish in national/international journals and/or other research outputs
5. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodiesCommunication and Team Working
6. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
7. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individualsOther
8. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
9. Proven ability to work without close supervisionDesirable Criteria10. Relevant professional qualification(s) and memberships (for example CEng or CSci or CEnv, project management Member of the Institute of Materials, Mining and Minerals, Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, or similar).
11. Evidence of collaborations with industry.
12. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
13. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Expected salary

£40247 – 45163 per year

Location

Portland, Dorset – Cardiff

Job date

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 06:00:11 GMT

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