PhD Position in Moisture Transport in Carbonated Cementitious Materials

We are offering a fully-funded position for a motivated and talented PhD candidate to join the Durability of Engineering Materials research group at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. The research group “Durability of Engineering Materials” at the Institute for Building Materials (Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering) at ETH Zurich performs research at the interface of material’s science, corrosion science and engineering. Our mission is to deliver the scientific basis needed to ensure safety, durability and sustainability of our civil infrastructures.

The position is expected to start in early 2025 and is fully funded for 4 years.

It is well known that reinforcing steel corrosion in carbonated concrete is highly dependent on the internal moisture condition. Therefore, to mitigate steel corrosion, especially in environmentally friendly cement types, there is an urgent need to understand moisture transport in carbonated concrete and to control the water content at the steel-concrete interface. Previous studies reported that moisture transport in carbonated cementitious materials is different from non-carbonated cementitious materials because of the different microstructural stability under the variations of moisture content.

This PhD project includes the experimental characterisation of microstructure and moisture transport properties of carbonated and non-carbonated cementitious materials. Both established, state-of-the-art and advanced experimental techniques will be applied. This project will be in collaboration with numerical modelers in the research group. Experimental data will be used to feed, calibrate and validate moisture transport models.

Profile of successful applicants

• MSc degree in civil engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, earth science or geochemistry
• Prior experience in cementitious materials, CO2 sequestration, material characterization, and mass transport in porous media are beneficial 
• Previous experience and knowledge in corrosion is not needed, but candidates are expected to show interest in this field
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Maturity and great motivation to learn and work independently
• Above all, candidates should be curious and enthusiastic in what they do

• Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits.