[Fully-funded studentships (fees and maintenance) are available for eligible home students. Limited funding for international students may be considered later. Funded through the Cambridge EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment.]

The University of Cambridge is offering a four-year EPSRC FIBE3 CDT PhD studentship in collaboration with Tracey Concrete, focusing on the development and deployment of low-carbon cements for precast concrete in aggressive ground conditions. This opportunity is funded through the Cambridge EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero (FIBE3 CDT), which aims to advance sustainable infrastructure solutions. The project addresses the urgent need for the construction industry to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining the durability and performance of infrastructure, especially in environments that accelerate material degradation.

Tracey Concrete, a leader in precast concrete manufacturing, is actively exploring innovative materials, technologies, and designs to achieve zero-carbon construction elements. The PhD research will focus on characterising and evaluating the mechanical performance, durability, and sustainability of both commercially available and novel cements used in precast concrete, specifically in aggressive ground conditions where durability standards are critical. The project is motivated by the limitations of the BRE Special Digest 1, which has not been updated since 2005 and does not reflect recent advances in low-carbon binder technologies. By generating robust scientific evidence, the research aims to inform updates to design and specification guidance, particularly regarding cement contents prescribed in BRE SD1.

The successful candidate will investigate the potential for reducing cement content to lower the carbon footprint while maintaining or enhancing mechanical and durability performance. The project will deliver essential data on durability, microstructural development, and long-term behaviour, providing the foundation for performance-based specifications that enable more sustainable, resource-efficient, and climate-friendly concrete production. The research environment offers access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaboration with industry partners, ensuring practical relevance and impact.

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain by the start date, at least a high 2.1 degree, preferably at Masters level, in Civil Engineering, with a strong interest in cementitious materials and experimental work. Fully-funded studentships (covering fees and maintenance) are available for eligible home students, while a limited number of international students may be considered for funding at a later stage. Further details about eligibility and funding can be found via the provided links. The University of Cambridge actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Applications should be submitted online via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal, stating course code EGEGR3 and the project title. Early applications are strongly encouraged, as offers may be made before the stated deadline. For project-specific enquiries, contact Prof. Abir Al-Tabbaa at [email protected]. For general enquiries, email [email protected]. There is a £20 application fee.