[Expired] PhD Opportunity in Synthetic Volcanic Glass Formation for Sustainable Concrete Research

This position is no longer available.

University:

University of Auckland

Country:

New Zealand

Deadline:

27 June 2025

Fields:

Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, ChemistryThe University of Auckland invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering. This research project focuses on the formation of thermally sprayed synthetic high-silica volcanic glass to investigate the critical phase reactivity of pozzolanic pumice in concrete. The project is part of a broader initiative aimed at developing sustainable concrete materials with reduced carbon footprints by utilizing natural supplementary cementitious materials.The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team working on the characterization and synthetic replication of pumice, a proven natural pozzolan, to better understand and control its properties for application in concrete. The research will employ advanced plasma thermal spray technology to simulate volcanic glass formation and systematically study its impact on cementitious behavior.

Requirements

– Honours or Master’s degree in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or Geology (preferably with a volcanology specialization), with a strong research component.– Demonstrated scientific writing ability, ideally evidenced by publications or a Master’s thesis.– Minimum GPE equivalent to University of Auckland GPE of 7 (see: https://www.gpecalculator.auckland.ac.nz/).– English language proficiency as per University of Auckland requirements (see: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/applications-and-admissions/entry-requirements/postgraduate-entry-requirements/postgraduate-english-language-requirements.html).– Laboratory experience in some of the following: materials characterization (XRD, XRF, SEM, XPS, FTIR), thermal analysis (DSC, TGA, isothermal calorimetry), plasma spraying, sample preparation, and materials processing.– Confidence in materials chemistry analysis, including equilibrium phase diagrams and thermodynamic analysis.

Application Process

– Expressions of interest must be submitted by 27 June 2025.– Selected candidates will be invited for interviews in July/August 2025.– The preferred start date is October 2025.For queries, please contact Associate Professor Steven Matthews at s.matthews@auckland.ac.nz.

Also See

• Two Fully Funded PhD Opportunities at University of Canterbury: Physics-Based Modelling and…
• Fully Funded PhD in Physics-Based Modelling of Hydrothermal Eruptions at University of Canterbury
• PhD and MSc Opportunities in Green Concrete and Cementitious Materials
• Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Carbonation of Calcium-Silicate Cements at Princeton University
• Fully Funded PhD and Postdoctoral Opportunities in Catalysis Research at TU Delft
  

For more information about the University of Auckland, please visit: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en.html
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