Within the High Tech Materials Programme funded by the NWO Domain of Applied and Engineering Sciences (NWO-TTW) in the Netherlands, we are looking for an excellent, highly motivated researcher working on creep behaviour of geopolymer concrete. Sustainable binders based on waste materials, like geopolymers, can only be used if their performance in a structure is proven. One of these performances is the long-term geometrical stability of the material. In time the geopolymer concrete will shrink and creep. These aspects must be understood and well defined before engineers can take these aspects into account during design. In this project, fundamental research will be done on the creep of geopolymer concrete. A model will be developed to understand these aspects and to show how these aspects influence a structure's performance. To validate the model, laboratory tests on creep of geopolymer concrete will be performed. The aim of the research is to understand the creep mechanisms and to provide test methods and design rules which should find their way to the codes of practice. The result of this project will provide the concrete engineer with an innovative material for design of a sustainable structure.
This project includes experimental study and numerical simulation on the creep behaviour of geopolymer concrete, to be carried out by a PhD candidate in close collaboration with an existing researcher on shrinkage behaviour of geopolymer concrete.

Applicants should meet the following criteria:
• MSc in Civil Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or Chemical Engineering;
• Experience in both modelling and experimental research on construction materials, preferably on alkali-activated materials;
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) and good communication skills;
• Preferably education and/or relevant work experience in Europe;
• Team worker attitude, but ability to think independently as a researcher;
• Results orientation, creative thinking and systematic working method.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The TU Delft offers an attractive, customisable compensation and benefits package, including a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers day care, before- and after-school care and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit graduateschool.tudelft.nl/ for more information.

For more information about this position, please contact Guang Ye, phone: +31 (0)15-2784001, e-mail: g.ye@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a motivation letter specifically adressing the position in our project, detailed Curriculum Vitae including a list of all courses and grades, summary of academic record or research experience, abstract of your MSc thesis (1 page), proof of English language proficiency and names of two references by 15 August 2017 to Recruitment-CiTG@tudelft.nl. When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number CITG17-14.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (the TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. The TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At the TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. The TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Department of Structural Engineering provides education and conducts research in the area of civil infrastructure and buildings. The department’s approach is based on science/fundamentals (mechanics and material science), deepened by engineering (concrete, steel, composite, timber, road and railway structures) and broadened by design (integral design, construction design, zero-material design and design-build). The department provides the basic education in the BSc civil engineering programme and three MSc programmes.

The mission of the section of materials and environment is to accumulate and transmit knowledge relating to the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of materials that may be used for architectural and civil engineering applications. Special attention is devoted to sustainability and environmental aspects. The chair of Concrete Modelling and Materials Behaviour focuses on the modelling and design of cement-based materials for use in concrete structures.