The University of Sydney's School of Civil Engineering, ranked 28th globally in Civil and Structural Engineering (QS 2025), is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Smart Materials and Sustainable Structures (SMS²) research group. This position focuses on sustainable concrete durability and bio-enabled cementitious systems, aiming to develop high-performance materials for future infrastructure. The research program addresses the durability and sustainability of wastewater infrastructure through low-carbon concrete innovations and bio-enabled strategies to enhance material performance and resilience under aggressive conditions.

The successful candidate will lead technical work, reviewing corrosion mechanisms and low-carbon concrete solutions for wastewater facilities, analysing specifications, and designing laboratory experiments under aggressive exposure conditions such as microbial-induced corrosion. Responsibilities include advanced material characterisation, data analysis, and developing performance-based specifications, including a Low-Carbon Concrete Mix Selection Tool and lifecycle assessments. The role involves working on bio-enabled cementitious systems, focusing on microbial interactions, electrochemical testing, and material optimisation to advance multifunctional cement-based technologies. Collaboration with industry partners, Sydney Water, and SmartCrete CRC is integral, as is preparing technical reports, publications, and participating in workshops and knowledge transfer activities.

Applicants must have a PhD in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Microbiology, Electrochemistry, or a related discipline, with expertise in cementitious materials, concrete durability, or corrosion mechanisms. Knowledge of low-carbon concrete, supplementary cementitious materials, and geopolymer systems is required, along with familiarity with microbial processes or bioelectrochemical systems and experience with electrochemical testing and multifunctional material development. Laboratory experimentation and advanced material characterisation techniques are essential, as are strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication for stakeholder engagement and publishing, and the ability to collaborate effectively with industry and multidisciplinary teams. Experience with lifecycle assessment and sustainability frameworks is desirable. Preference will be given to applicants currently residing in Australia.

The position is full-time, based at the Darlington Campus, University of Sydney, with a base salary of $113,400 – $151,328 plus 17% superannuation, for a 1-year fixed term (possible extension to 2 years). To apply, candidates should send a cover letter addressing the selection criteria, a detailed CV including publications and relevant experience, and contact details of two referees to Associate Professor Ali Hadigheh at [email protected].