[Fully-funded studentships (fees and maintenance) are available for eligible home students. Limited funding for international students may be considered later. See https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees and https://www.cambridgetrust.org/scholarships/ for details.]

This four-year EPSRC FIBE3 CDT PhD studentship at the University of Cambridge offers a unique opportunity to advance research in the prediction of future technical performance of lower carbon concretes. The project is funded in collaboration with leading engineering consultancies Ramboll and Buro Happold, both of which are committed to sustainable design and the adoption of low carbon materials in infrastructure. Cement production is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions, and the transition to lower carbon concrete is essential for achieving net zero goals.

The research will focus on developing fundamental performance measures for concrete, moving beyond traditional Ordinary Portland Cement-based metrics. Many innovative concrete technologies and mixes are not yet covered by building codes, and the lack of validation routes for long-term performance hinders their adoption. This project aims to address these challenges by combining experimental work using state-of-the-art digital measurement tools in the Cambridge Civil Engineering laboratories with advanced multi-physics modelling. The outcomes will provide guidance for specifying concrete compositions that meet scalability, performance, and carbon reduction targets, facilitating the rapid adoption of novel mixes such as calcined clays, limestone fines, and other innovative formulations.

Applicants should have a strong academic background, with at least a high 2.1 degree or preferably a 1st class degree in engineering, sciences, or a related discipline, ideally at Masters level. Previous experience with concrete materials is desirable. The studentship is fully funded for eligible home students, covering fees and maintenance, while a limited number of international students may be considered for funding at a later stage. For project-specific enquiries, contact Professor Janet Lees at [email protected]. General enquiries can be directed to [email protected].

Applications should be submitted online via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal, stating course code EGEGR3 and the project title. Early applications are encouraged, as offers may be made before the official deadline of 15 April 2026. The University of Cambridge actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. For further information on eligibility and funding, consult the provided links.