Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Chemistry programme. The position is available from August 2026 or later.
Title:
Mechanisms of aluminosilicate – clinker interactions in blended Portland cements
Research area and project description:
A PhD stipend is available from August 1st, 2026 at the Department of Chemistry, the Faculty of Natural Science, Aarhus University, focussing on reactivity and reaction mechanisms for conventional and future Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) in composite cements with Portland clinkers.
Global urbanization and economic growth increase society’s demands for new buildings and infrastructure and hence for concrete. Concrete is the second most used substance by mass after water, and despite its low specific CO2 emission (below 150 kg CO2/ton concrete), the large-scale production makes it responsible for 6 - 7 % of the man-made CO2 emissions. Thus, the cement industry needs to drastically reduce its CO2 emissions to meet the goals for a sustainable society and at the same time fulfil the increasing cement demand of the global economy. Several approaches are under development with this goal, where the partial replacement of Portland clinkers by SCMs attracts significant attention. The SCMs are often aluminosilicate- rich waste products (fly ashes, slags or recycled concrete fines) or processed minerals (calcined clays, feldspars or volcanic glasses) which under alkaline conditions react and form hydration products like those of Portland cement.
The PhD project will focus on conventional and future SCMs with the goal of developing a general mechanistic understanding of how aluminosilicate components in SCMs react with Portland clinkers in binary and ternary composite cements. The studies will focus on chemical composition, pozzolanic reactivity, and thermodynamic properties of these SCMs with a second goal of tailoring novel composite cements with maximum reactivity. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy will be a key-technique in the project to study the amorphous alumina-silicate phases in the SCMs and blended cements. However, a range of other analytical tools will be employed in parallel. The project will be conducted in collaboration with HeidelbergMaterials (Leimen, Germany) and the PhD study will involve an extended visit to their research laboratories.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Professor Jørgen Skibsted, before applying.
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Qualifications and specific competences:
The PhD candidate should have a Master’s (3-year PhD programme) or 4-years studies (4-year PhD programme) in chemistry, nanoscience, physics, or materials science. Knowledge about inorganic materials, cement chemistry, microscale characterization tools, and NMR spectroscopy will be considered as a plus. All highly motivated candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Equal consideration will be given to all qualified applicants independent of their gender, race, and cultural background.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Chemistry
Langelandsgade 140, 8000 C Aarhus, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Professor Jørgen Skibsted, jskib@chem.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2026)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
