[Fully-funded studentships (fees and maintenance) available for eligible home students; limited funding for international students may be considered later.]

The University of Cambridge is offering a fully-funded PhD studentship through the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment (FIBE3 CDT), in collaboration with Tracey Concrete. This four-year (1+3 MRes/PhD) programme focuses on the development and advancement of low-carbon cements for precast concrete used in aggressive ground conditions, addressing the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the construction industry.

Tracey Concrete, a leader in precast concrete manufacturing, is partnering on this project to explore innovative materials, technologies, and designs that support zero-carbon construction. The research will investigate both commercially available and novel low-carbon cements, evaluating their mechanical performance, durability, and sustainability when embedded in challenging environments that accelerate material degradation. The project aims to generate robust scientific evidence to inform updates to design and specification guidance, particularly re-evaluating the cement contents prescribed in the BRE Special Digest 1 (SD1), which has not been updated since 2005 despite significant advances in binder technologies.

Key research objectives include characterising the durability and microstructural development of low-carbon cements, assessing their long-term behaviour, and providing data to support performance-based specifications for more sustainable and climate-friendly concrete production. The work will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of infrastructure while maintaining or enhancing mechanical and durability standards.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, at least a high 2.1 degree, preferably at Masters level, in Civil Engineering, and demonstrate a strong interest in cementitious materials and experimental research. The studentship covers full tuition and maintenance for eligible home students, with limited funding available for international candidates at a later stage. For project-specific enquiries, contact Prof. Abir Al-Tabbaa at [email protected]. General enquiries can be directed to [email protected].

Applications should be submitted online via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal, using course code EGEGR3 and specifying the project title. Early applications are encouraged, as offers may be made before the deadline of 15 April 2026. The University of Cambridge is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

For further details on funding and eligibility, visit the provided links to the EPSRC CDT, UKRI, Cambridge Trust, and university finance pages.