Guomin Ji

NTNU is offering a PhD Candidate position in Sustainable and Cement-Free Marine Materials at the Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering in Gjøvik. The project is positioned within an international and interdisciplinary research environment focused on sustainable blue economy innovation and low-carbon material solutions for marine applications. The PhD project, HAPMarine , addresses the need for alternatives to carbon-intensive, concrete-based marine infrastructure. The research aims to upcycle calcium-rich waste streams from aquaculture shells and demolition concrete into new bioreceptive, low-carbon, and high-strength materials. The work is motivated by climate change impacts and circular-economy goals, and it connects material development with marine infrastructure and cold-water coral reef restoration. The candidate will contribute to fundamental research on eco-friendly shell-based materials, hybrid shell–concrete geopolymer composites, and carbonation-related approaches that may improve CO₂ capture. The work includes optimisation of forming conditions, assessment of mechanical and bio-receptive performance, numerical simulation to understand processing and behaviour, and lab- and field-based testing. The project also includes leaching analysis and ecological assessment, and it is carried out in cooperation with project and industry partners. The project involves collaboration with researchers at the University of Tokyo and the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) . The position is hosted by NTNU, whose Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering has expertise in sustainable solutions, modern industrial processes, and new and recycled materials. The successful candidate will join an environment that combines engineering research, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The immediate leader is the Research Group Leader, and the position is tied to doctoral education and coursework during the early period of employment.