Research Associate - Incineration Waste Bottom Ash and Carbon Capture

The Economic History Society is seeking a Research Associate for a fixed-term position in Manchester, UK, focused on incineration waste and carbon capture. The role involves developing sustainable construction materials from incinerator bottom ash and CO2 sequestration. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and experience in concrete preparation and analysis. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, with potential for hybrid working arrangements.
Job reference:SAE-029207Salary:£37,174 - £45,413 per annum depending on experienceFaculty/Organisational Unit:Science and EngineeringLocation:ManchesterEmployment type:Fixed TermDivision/Team:Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil EngineeringHours Per Week:Full time (1 FTE)Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY):17/07/2025Contract Duration:Fixed term for 16 monthsSchool/Directorate:School of EngineeringApplications are invited for a post of Research Associate, tenable from 1 November 2025, to work under an Innovate UK funded project (Inciner8-2-Net0: Maximising value of incineration waste and carbon capture for a Net Zero built environment) involving several industrial partners and international collaborators. The project will focus on using incinerator bottom ash (IBA) and CO2 sequestration in developing sustainable cement formulations. You must have, or be about to complete, a PhD qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant academic field.

The primary aim of this research project is to develop and maximise the performance and sustainability potential of construction products by using accelerated carbonation and bio-mineralisation to transform IBA into a valuable resource for the construction industry, simultaneously achieving CO2 sequestration.

Previous experience in concrete sample preparation and assessment, mechanical testing and microstructural characterisation (XRD, TGA, FTIR and SEM-EDX) and chemical synthesis and analysis is required. The PDRA will carry out detailed work of characterisation and treatment of IBA, design of concrete mix formulations, preparation of concrete specimens and detailed microstructural and mechanical analysis.

Candidates who have a strong background in material science and sustainable cementitious binder systems are encouraged to apply. Previous experience in the use of IBA and carbonation in construction products would be highly preferrable, but not required.

What you will get in return:

Fantastic market leading Pension schemeExcellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance ProgrammeExceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidaysAdditional paid closure over the Christmas periodLocal and national discounts at a range of major retailersAs an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out morehere

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed toPeople.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name:Cise Unluer

Email:cise.unluer@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email:People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

£37,174 to £45,413 per annum

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