Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Researcher (Cement & Concrete) at Meru University of Science and Technology

Project Summary  

Currently, petrochemical products and industrial residues are used for cement clinker reduction in concrete. However, they could be replaced more sustainably by unused bio-based agricultural and aquacultural by-products. Compared to industrial residues, however, bio-based residues occur widely dispersed in multiple small deposits and are subject to seasonal fluctuations. Thus, many small heterogeneous material streams must be bundled into a few homogeneous supply streams for the construction industry. The project aims to close this gap and investigates the necessary ecosystems linked to the technological conversion of bio-based by-products to high-performance building material constituents, both before the conversion and in the subsequent utilization in materials and structures. Decision-making systems supported by artificial intelligence will be developed to assess the technologically and socio-economically most sustainable use and to optimize mineral oxides as cement substitutes. The concepts developed in the Kenyan pilot will be extrapolated to the European frameworks and raw materials. The overall goal is to develop sound policy advice for the worldwide application.

The specific project objectives are;

• To develop and assess the framework for the waste collection, the livelihoods linked to it and the circularity potentials.
• To scale up the three-step conversion process for large scale and prove the concept.
• To assess whether the concept of converting multiple-heterogenous small supply streams into limited homogenous, supplies for the construction industry.
• Development of training workshops that inform but also deliver data for the final policy advice derived from the research.
• Policy advice, recommendations, tangible, reliable, and scalable data.

Project Location

This is a full-time position based in Meru-Kenya. The post-doctoral fellow(s) will be primarily based at the Institute of Cement and Concrete, Meru University of Science & Technology, Meru-Kenya. The successful applicants will be expected to report directly to the Project co-ordinator and also work closely with the project partners within and outside Kenya.

Job specifications

• Have an earned Ph.D in Cement & Concrete / Ph.D in Chemistry / Ph.D. in Material Science or an equivalent degree.
• To qualify, you must have earned a Ph.D in the field described in (i) no more than five years before 1st April, 2025
• Have solid knowledge of cement and concrete
• Have a good publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with their research experience on cement and concrete.
• Having prior research experience with cement and concrete industry would be an added advantage.
• Be available to start the Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Researcher (Cement & Concrete) fellowship by 1st May, 2025.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in laboratory and field work activities.
• Publish research findings in reputable journals.
• Assist in writing grant proposals and other resource mobilization initiatives to secure funding for research projects.
• Assist in writing research papers, including drafting, revising, and editing manuscripts.
• Assist in organizing and preparing presentations for conferences, workshops, symposium, seminars and other events.
• Assist in teaching undergraduate or graduate courses, including leading discussion sections, grading assignments, laboratory demonstrations and preparing course materials.
• Assist in managing projects at all project cycles.
• Participate in professional development activities such as trainings to stay current with latest research methods and techniques in the field.

Key skills/ Personal attributes required include:

• Strong analytical, organizational and communication (in English, both oral and written) skills.
• Highly motivated and independent with strong research skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Be a person of integrity and a keen eye for details.