PhD in Microstructure Modeling and Environmental Index Characterization of Sustainable Concrete

C-Sink Project: Advancing Sustainable Construction Materials at TU Delft

The cement industry is responsible for a significant share of global CO₂ emissions, mainly due to its dependence on clinker—the key constituent of conventional cement. In order to accelerate the decarbonization of construction materials, the C-Sink Project (funded under the EU EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2024) is developing a breakthrough alternative binder system. This system integrates CO₂-sequestered magnesium silicate minerals (such as olivine and pyroxenes) as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). By coupling clinker reduction with permanent CO₂ mineralization, this innovative approach not only lowers embodied carbon but also transforms concrete into a net carbon sink.

The C-Sink project brings together a consortium of seven leading European universities, research institutes, and industrial partners, ensuring a unique environment for high-impact, multidisciplinary research.

We are seeking an ambitious and motivated PhD candidate to contribute to the design, testing, and evaluation of next-generation sustainable concretes based on CO₂-sequestered magnesium silicates. The research will combine experimental investigations with numerical modeling to understand hydration and microstructure formation. In addition, the candidate will perform environmental index characterization (including CO₂ balance, life-cycle impacts, and circularity indicators) to position these materials within the broader framework of sustainable construction.

The successful candidate will be based in the Microlab (Section Materials & Environment), Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), and will collaborate closely with other academic and industrial partners across Europe. This provides a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic, international research environment at the intersection of materials science, sustainability, and numerical modeling.

Job requirements

• Need-to-haves:
• • MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
  • Proven experience in experimental research on construction materials.
  • Strong skills in numerical simulation and modeling.
  • Excellent communication skills, with proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Nice-to-haves:
• • Independence and responsibility in research.
  • High motivation, good communication/collaboration skills, and team spirit.

About TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 🚀

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 per month in the first year to €3881 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School, which provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Guang Ye (g.ye@tudelft.nl)