The Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Gjøvik, invites applications for a PhD position in Sustainable and Cement-Free Marine Materials. NTNU is Norway’s leading technical university, renowned for its commitment to knowledge creation and societal impact, with campuses in Trondheim, Gjøvik, and Ålesund. This PhD opportunity is part of the HAPMarine project, which aims to address the urgent challenges of coastal ecosystem collapse and the environmental impact of traditional concrete-based marine infrastructure.

As a PhD candidate, you will join an international and interdisciplinary team at the forefront of sustainable blue economy innovation. The project focuses on pioneering circular-economy solutions by upcycling Norway’s abundant calcium-rich waste streams, such as aquaculture shells and demolition concrete, into bioreceptive, low-carbon, and high-strength materials. These next-generation materials are designed for marine infrastructure and cold-water coral reef restoration, directly contributing to climate change mitigation and circular economy goals both in Norway and globally.

Your research will involve developing and optimizing eco-friendly shell-based materials, optimizing forming conditions for high mechanical performance and bio-receptivity, conducting comprehensive material property assessments, and performing numerical simulations to gain process insights. You will also develop hybrid shell–concrete (geopolymer) composites and investigate carbonation routes to enhance CO₂ capture. Collaboration with project partners, including experts from the University of Tokyo and NIVA, will be integral to field testing, leaching analysis, and ecological assessment of the developed materials in both laboratory and field environments.

The position is full-time for three years, with a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800 and favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Free Norwegian language training (A2 level) is offered, and the employment period may be extended by 10 weeks upon completion of the language course. The position is conditional on external funding and requires physical presence at NTNU Gjøvik.

Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a similar field, with a strong academic record (average grade B or better on the NTNU scale). Excellent written and oral English skills are mandatory. Preferred qualifications include experience in cement or geopolymer materials development, publishing in high-impact journals, material characterization (XRD, SEM, FTIR, MIP), numerical modelling (COMSOL/ANSYS), and background in green/bio-concrete or waste valorization. Personal qualities such as analytical skills, motivation, teamwork, and independence are highly valued.

To apply, submit your application online in English by the deadline, including CV, certificates, transcripts, diplomas, master’s thesis (or confirmation of submission), a 2-page project proposal on green sustainable materials, names and contact details of three referees, and relevant publications. For questions about the position, contact Associate Professor Guomin Ji at [email protected].

NTNU is committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The university offers a vibrant academic environment, career guidance, and a supportive community in Gjøvik, a town known for its beautiful nature and excellent quality of life.