Two doctoral students in materials science with a focus on cementitious materials

Organisation/Company

Chalmers University of Technology

Research Field

Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry
Chemistry » Other
Engineering » Civil engineering
Engineering » Materials engineering
Physics » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Application Deadline

1 Mar 2026 - 22:59 (UTC)

Country

Sweden

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

The Department of Architechture and Civil Engineering  at Chalmers University of Technology is looking for two doctoral students within the framework of the Research School for Excellence in Materials Science for Cement-Based Materials (RECEM), which is funded by the Swedish Research Council.

About the Research School for Excellence in Materials Science for Cement-Based Materials (RECEM)

The Research School for Excellence in Materials Science for Cement-Based Materials (RECEM) focuses on materials science within the entire value chain for cement-based materials, including raw material extraction, slag recycling and innovation in cement with low carbon emissions. In total, the research school will have 14 doctoral students who participate in courses and activities within the research school at Umeå University, Luleå University of Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, and the synchrotron MAX IV Laboratory at Lund University. RECEM is funded by the Swedish Research Council and coordinated by Umeå University.

The doctoral students at Chalmers University of Technology will belong to the Building Materials research area at The Department of Architechture and Civil Engineering  

Project description

The doctoral projects span several central questions within cement-based materials with a focus on Hydration of Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) incorporated systems. The research includes, among other things, how systems incorporating emerging cementitious materials can be designed to enhance the dissolution of SCMs without negatively affecting cement hydration, while simultaneously characterizing dissolution, precipitation, and pore‑structure evolution using analytical laboratory techniques and synchrotron facilities.

About the position

The position is aimed at a doctoral degree and the doctoral student's main task is to devote him/herself to his doctoral education, which includes participation in the research projects described above as well as in doctoral education courses. The duties may include teaching and other departmental work (maximum 20%). The position is limited in time to four years full-time or up to five years for teaching or departmental work.

About us 

The Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering tackles contemporary and emerging challenges for the built and natural environment, ranging from resource utilisation, pollution and climate change to digitalisation and inequality. We combine expertise in architecture, civil engineering and related disciplines to build a better world. 

At the building materials research area, we are committed to developing innovative and environmentally responsible solutions for the built environment. Our research extends beyond conventional cement and concrete to explore a wide range of binders and material applications, including non-reinforced cementitious systems, polymer composites, and modular construction systems. By integrating experimental research with computational modeling and industrial collaboration, we aim to shape a more sustainable construction industry while ensuring durability, efficiency, and resource optimization.

Qualifications

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits in inorganic chemistry, physics, material science, material engineering, civil engineering or other subjects that are considered to be directly relevant to the current specialization. For students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.   
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English 
• Experience in cementitious materials characterization is highly valued. 

Other requirements

We are looking for candidates who have a special interest in contributing to a necessary transformation of material production that is important to society with direct benefits for the climate. The candidate should have a genuine interest in understanding how cement-based materials and related processes work in-depth, from substitution in structures at the atomic level to effects on materials in larger processes.

Good oral and written skills in English, both spoken and written, are required. To succeed in this four-year project, the candidate must be meticulous, have logical thinking and good problem-solving skills.

Merits

Practical experience of cement-related processes is a merit. Furthermore, documented experience of various experimental techniques in X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, or electron microscopy as well as knowledge of basic programming are meritorious.

Consideration will also be given to good cooperation skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is judged to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral program. 

Contract terms  

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start. 
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years. 
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025). 
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn. 

What we offer 

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees. 
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg . 
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.  

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence . 

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here .  

Application procedure 

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files. 

CV 

Personal letter 

• A brief introduction about yourself. 
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position. 

Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts. 

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.  

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview. 

We welcome your application no later than  1st of March 2026. 

For questions, please contact:  

Arezou Ahmadi  
Associate professor  
arezou.ahmadi@chalmers.se  

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***  

 Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. 
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward. 

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/chalmers-university-of-technology/2026/two-doc…

Research Field

Chemistry

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Chemistry

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Number of offers available

2

Company/Institute

Chalmers University of Technology

Country

Sweden

City

Gothenburg

Postal Code

412 58

Street

Maskingränd 2

City

Gothenburg

Website

https://www.chalmers.se/en/

Postal Code

412 58

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