[Fully-funded studentships (fees and maintenance) are available for eligible home students. Limited funding for international students may be available at a later stage.] This four-year (1+3 MRes/PhD) studentship at the University of Cambridge is funded through the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero (FIBE3 CDT), in collaboration with Tracey Concrete. The project addresses the urgent need for low-carbon solutions in the construction industry, focusing on the development and application of low-carbon cements for precast concrete used in aggressive ground conditions. Precast concrete offers a controlled environment for material innovation, making it ideal for testing alternative binders and next-generation cements. The research will involve characterising and evaluating the mechanical performance, durability, and sustainability of both commercially available and novel cements in a variety of challenging ground conditions where durability standards are critical. A key motivation is to address the limitations of the BRE Special Digest 1, which has not been updated since 2005 and does not reflect advances in low-carbon binder technologies. The project aims to provide robust scientific evidence to inform updates to design and specification guidance, particularly regarding cement content in aggressive ground. By reassessing existing requirements and exploring the potential for reducing cement content, the research seeks to lower the carbon footprint of concrete while maintaining or improving performance. The work will generate essential data on durability, microstructural development, and long-term behaviour, supporting the creation of performance-based specifications for more sustainable and climate-friendly concrete production. Applicants should have at least a high 2.1 degree, preferably at Masters level, in Civil Engineering and a strong interest in cementitious materials and experimental work. Fully-funded studentships covering fees and maintenance are available for eligible home students, with limited funding for international students considered at a later stage. Applications are made online via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal, and early applications are encouraged as offers may be made before the deadline. The University of Cambridge is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.