The Department offers a BSc in Building Science and MSc programmes in Architecture, Building and Planning, Building Services and Construction Management and Engineering. Education and research in the Department focus on the development and use of technology for the design and construction of a comfortable, healthy and sustainable built environment. The Department's philosophy is 'Beyond Building', which reflects our multidisciplinary, integral and innovative approach in the construction, evaluation and improvement of buildings and urban areas. Our research is based on fundamental scientific insights and methods and their application for the built environment.

This PhD research is one part of the STW project 'High-end application of converter steel slag in sustainable building materials'. In the current project, a PhD researcher is working on upgrading converter slag to a useful building material. He/she will focus on the following tasks:

1. Characterization of converter slags;
2. Developing treatment methods;
3. Design and performance evaluation of building materials;
4. Fundamental research on the prevailing mechanisms;

In the group already 21 PhDs, 3 postdocs, 3 assistant professors and 1 full professor work on new materials that are based on secondary raw materials and with additional functionalities, meeting requirements with regard to constructive, chemical, physical and aesthetic properties. Examples of deployed ingredients are fly ashes, silicas, slags, agricultural and industrial wastes, and recycled aggregates, from varying and non-traditional sources. Functionality is introduced by incorporating photocatalytic powder, phase changing materials etc. So far attention was mainly focused on concrete, but the group is rapidly expanding its interest to other materials as well.

The research group possesses excellent computational facilities, advanced granular packing models, microstructure models, and well-equipped and -staffed building material laboratories for physical/chemical/mechanical/environmental testing.

The research group maintains close contacts with the building materials chain and with public authorities, and regularly convenes with their representatives that form a sponsor/user group. Furthermore, there is frequent and intensive contact with other researchers, both domestic and abroad (mostly Europe, China and Japan). All researchers and PhD candidates are externally funded, by the building sector and/or by governmental project funding (national and international, such as the European Commission). The current project is financed by the Hightech Materials program of the Dutch Technical Science Foundation (STW).

We are looking for excellent and highly motivated candidates with an MSc degree in a field related to materials: civil/mechanical/chemical engineering, earth sciences, physics, chemistry, or similar discipline. Interest in physical/chemical processes in the built environment, and in sustainable and durable building materials is essential.

Any of the following could be considered an advantage and should be mentioned in the motivation letter:

Familiarity with analytical characterization techniques (such as any of: XFR, XRD, FTIR, TG/DSC, SEM, IC, ICP or related techniques);

Affinity/experience with inorganic binders/materials (theoretical knowledge about the hydration of cementitious materials, (basic) mineralogy, and/or laboratory experience on both fresh and hardened state);

Modelling techniques/software.

A sufficient English language level, both written and spoken, is required. Proofs of English level (such as certificates, coursework followed in English, manuscripts written in English etc.), if available, should also be mentioned.



Candidates who already hold the title of PhD/Doctor will not be considered for the current vacancy.

We offer a stimulating and ambitious research environment. To complement this environment and for the specific projects mentioned above, we are looking for outstanding candidates that meet the following requirements:
- You are highly motivated, talented and enthusiastic.
- You have a relevant MSc degree as indicated above.
- You have an independent and well-structured working style.
- You are interested in guiding master students of the group.
- You have strong communication skills and the attitude to participate successfully in a multidisciplinary team.

The duration of PhD candidate positions is 4 years, the salary starts at € 2.222,-  gross per month in the first year increasing to € 2.840,- gross per month in the fourth year. In addition, PhD candidates receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end of the year allowance. International candidates may be eligible to apply for the 30% facility (a tax free reimbursement of extraterritorial costs). Assistance for finding accommodation can be given. Besides this, the TU/e has an excellent package of attractive benefits for employees, a child-care facility, and a modern sports complex. Assistance for finding accommodation can be given. Especially for PhD students the TU/e also offers opportunities for personal development. We do this by offering every PhD student a series of courses that are part of the Proof program as an excellent addition to your scientific education.