The PhD candidate will be supervised by prof. Ruben Snellings and dr. Eric Breynaert at the Dept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Dept. of Microbial and Molecular Systems of KU Leuven. The PhD candidate will work in a collaborative fundamental research project with access to beyond-state-of-the-art facilities.
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Project
Concrete, a composite material held together by hydrated cement, is the number one synthesized material by man-kind and responsible for 7% of global CO2 emissions. Promising low carbon cements contain large amounts of layered double hydroxides (LDH), layered metal hydroxides containing water and anions in their interlayers. Gaining molecular level insight in their structure and properties is key to enable the essential transition to low CO2 cement and concrete. The PhD opening is part of the LDH2O project. The project focuses on resolving the structural role of water in cement LDH phases. Using NMR crystallography, a powerful combination of advanced NMR spectroscopy, diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques, the project will shed new light on how the LDH interlayer architecture and hydration states are determined by the interlayer anion groups. This is important as changes in the LDH structure and properties impact the way concrete responds to changes in temperature, humidity, or aggressive environments.
The PhD position is embedded in an internationally reputed scientific environment with a competitive 48 month full-time grant. The position implies the following responsibilities and tasks:
- Synthesize layered double hydroxides relevant to LDH2O and engage in molecular level characterisation of their structure and properties using NMR spectroscopy, X-ray scattering and Diffraction and/or Electron Microscopy;
- Participate actively in the project as well as the research group meetings and taking part in group activities and shared responsibilities;
- Follow the doctoral training programme of the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School (through journal publications, conference participation, and coursework);
- Supervise MSc and BSc dissertations related to your research topic;
- Provide training to BSc and MSc students;
- Contribute to writing peer reviewed papers, reports and grant applications (e.g. personal scholarship).
For some aspects of the project you will work individually, in other cases, you will operate as part of a small team.
Profile
The candidate holds or will obtain in the near future a MSc in Geoscience/Mineralogy; MSc in Chemistry or Bio-engineering; MSc in Materials or Civil Engineering; or equivalent. We are looking for a candidate with excellent gradings and a strong inorganic (geo)chemistry background, familiar with material characterisation techniques and strategies. Showing motivation to become proficient in advanced analytical techniques, including XRD, NMR and TEM is a must.
The candidate should be communicative and proficient in written and spoken English (complying to the KU Leuven language requirements, see: https://set.kuleuven.be/phd/applicants/languagerequirements).
Ideally, the candidate:
- can demonstrate experience in scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, etc.) and data analysis;
- is a team player;
- naturally takes initiative;
- can demonstrate thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint ;
- has experience working with MATLAB, Origin, IgorPro,..
KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at [email protected].
Offer
- The successful candidate will receive a full-time scholarship for four years for research in view of obtaining a PhD-degree in (Engineering) Science.
- You will work mainly in the Dept. Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Dept. Microbial and Molecular Systems with collaboration opportunities in the Materials and Civil Engineering departments on the campus Arenberg of KU Leuven.
- You will receive training from the Arenberg Doctoral School at University of Leuven.
- You will have access to top-notch analytical facilities and technical support.
- You will participate in experiments and learn how to use renowned large-scale facilities, including synchrotrons (e.g. ESRF, PETRA), high-field NMR centers (e.g. NMRCoRe, NHFML) and neutron facilities (ILL).
- You will gain experience in transferable skills and receive personalized mentoring.
- You will have the opportunity to participate in local and international conferences and build your scientific network.
- Funding is available but the successful candidate will be encouraged to also apply for additional fellowships.
- The position is available immediately.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ruben Snellings, tel.: +32 16 32 48 89, mail: [email protected] or Dr. Eric Breynaert, tel.: +32 16 32 15 98, mail: [email protected].
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
