PhD Candidate in Mitigating Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) via Alkali Balancing
Explore innovative solutions to concrete durability challenges through experimental and thermodynamic research on alkali-silica reaction mitigation.
Best for:Best for civil/materials engineers with a strong background in concrete science, experimental laboratory skills, and an interest in interdisciplinary research combining materials engineering and computational modeling.
Overview
This PhD position at NTNU’s Department of Structural Engineering focuses on advancing concrete durability by investigating how alkali release from aggregates influences alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete. The candidate will conduct experimental and thermodynamic research to understand alkali binding in cement pastes containing supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and develop strategies to moderate ASR effects. The project involves collaboration with SINTEF (Norway) and TUM (Germany), funded by Heidelberg Materials and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. The successful applicant will contribute to both fundamental and applied research while gaining experience in academic publishing and international collaboration.
What you'll do
- Conduct doctoral research focused on alkali-silica reaction (ASR) mitigation in concrete, including experimental and thermodynamic investigations.
- Develop and execute laboratory experiments to analyze alkali release from aggregates and alkali binding in cement pastes with SCMs.
- Perform pore-solution analyses and concrete expansion tests to quantify alkali contributions and determine damage thresholds.
- Collaborate with SINTEF (Norway) and TUM (Germany) on joint research projects and experimental validation.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at international conferences.
- Participate in academic and professional development activities, including coursework and training in laboratory techniques.
- Engage in teaching and mentoring activities as part of career development.
- Contribute to international research activities, such as research stays abroad or participation in collaborative workshops.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in civil engineering, material engineering, or a related field with specialization in concrete design and/or concrete materials, or equivalent. Must include a major independent project (minimum 30 ECTS).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 (or similar).
Instruction: English
- Proven academic background in civil/materials engineering with a focus on concrete science.
- Strong laboratory skills, including experience with solution analysis, BET, and laser diffraction analysis.
- Excellent written and oral English proficiency for academic communication and collaboration.
- Ability to conduct independent research and manage complex projects.
- Experience with academic writing and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Must meet NTNU’s requirements for admission to the Faculty’s Doctoral Programme in Engineering.
- Must have an average grade from Master’s degree studies equivalent to B or better on NTNU’s grading scale (or equivalent academic foundation).
- No nationality or residency restrictions, but must comply with Norwegian export control regulations.
- No age limit, but must be eligible for PhD admission in Norway.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Applicants must submit their application electronically via Jobbnorge.no. The application must include transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, a CV, a copy of the Master’s thesis, a short letter of motivation (400 words/1 page), possibly publications or other relevant research work, and names/contact information of three relevant referees. All documents must be in Norwegian, a Scandinavian language, or English.
- Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
- CV
- Copy of Master’s thesis
- Short letter of motivation (400 words/1 page)
- Publications or other relevant research work (if applicable)
- Certificates (if applicable)
- Names and contact information of three relevant referees
Contact
NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology· Human Resources
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