PhD: Demonstrating a Novel Route to Decarbonised Ordinary Portland Cement at Scale Imperial College London in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD position at Imperial College London is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures (CDT-GIF), a collaborative initiative supported by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and leading UK universities. The project, supervised by Professor Paul Fennell, focuses on developing a novel route to decarbonised Ordinary Portland Cement, aiming to enhance the fraction of initially reactive phases for superior performance and lower clinker-to-cement ratios compared to conventional cements such as LC3.

Research activities will include experimental work on phase reactivity and hydration, mechanical strength and durability testing, and potentially thermodynamic modelling of phase development. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with world-class experts, including Professor Karen Scrivener at EPFL and Dr Alex Pisch at CNRS, gaining access to advanced knowledge in cement chemistry and materials characterisation.

The CDT-GIF programme offers a comprehensive four-year training experience, including residential taught courses at partner universities, international research opportunities, industrial placements, and a bespoke net-zero leadership programme. Students will receive expert training in life cycle analysis, technoeconomics, business models, policy and regulation, public engagement, and plant operation, preparing them to contribute to the UK’s net zero industrial future.

Funding covers full UK tuition fees, a tax-free stipend (£20,780 for 2025/2026 plus approximately £2,000 London weighting), and a budget for travel and consumables. Applicants should hold a First-class or 2:1 MEng or MSc with merit (over 60%) in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Geoscience, or a related STEM field. Candidates with relevant MA degrees for socio-politico-economic topics or those with a First-class BSc/BEng (Hons) and significant industry or research experience may also be considered. All applicants must meet Imperial College London’s entry requirements.

Applications are accepted year-round. For further information and to apply, visit the CDT Green Industrial Futures website or contact [email protected].