[Fully-funded studentships (fees and maintenance) are available for eligible home students. Limited funding for international students may be available at a later stage. See university and UKRI links 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 delivered in partnership with leading engineering consultancies Buro Happold and Ramboll, both of which are at the forefront of sustainable design and low carbon material innovation. The studentship is part of the Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero (FIBE3 CDT) programme, which aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable infrastructure through cutting-edge research and industry collaboration.

Cement production is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions, and the construction industry is seeking rapid adoption of lower carbon concrete technologies. This project addresses the urgent need for reliable performance prediction methods for novel concrete mixes, which are often not yet covered by building codes and standards. The research will combine experimental work using advanced digital measurement tools and state-of-the-art equipment in the Cambridge Civil Engineering laboratories with multi-physics modelling to provide new insights into scalable, low-carbon concrete options such as calcined clays, limestone fines, and innovative binder formulations.

Outcomes from this research will inform the specification of concrete compositions that meet scalability, performance, and carbon reduction goals, helping to accelerate the adoption of novel mixes in real-world infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will benefit from close collaboration with industry partners, access to world-class facilities, and the support of the FIBE3 CDT cohort and academic supervisors.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, at least a high 2.1 or preferably a 1st class degree in engineering, sciences, or a related discipline, ideally at Masters level. Prior experience with concrete materials is desirable. Fully-funded studentships covering fees and maintenance are available for eligible UK home students, with limited funding for international candidates considered at a later stage. For project-specific queries, contact Professor Janet Lees at [email protected]. For general enquiries, email [email protected].

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