PhD Researcher (f/m/d) – Reactivity of Supplementary Cementitious Materials for Low-Carbon Cements

Join Heidelberg Materials and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT; German: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie)  to investigate the reactivity of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and contribute to the development of next-generation low-carbon cements. As part of our international R&D team, you will conduct cutting-edge research, publish scientific findings, and help advance more sustainable construction materials.

Your profile:

• Master's degree in Materials Science, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Geosciences, or a related field

• Strong interest in scientific research and doctoral studies

• Experience in laboratory work and data analysis

• Fluent English

What we offer:

• PhD opportunity with Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT; German: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie)  

• International R&D environment

• Research with real industrial impact

• Contribution to the decarbonization of the construction industry

Want to learn more about the research project? Keep reading below for additional details on the scientific background, objectives, and methodology.

Help Shape the Future of Sustainable Construction Materials

Are you passionate about scientific research and eager to contribute to the decarbonization of the construction industry?

As a PhD Researcher - Reactivity of Supplementary Cementitious Materials for Low-Carbon Cements (f/m/d), you will join Heidelberg Materials' international Research & Development team while pursuing your doctoral degree in collaboration with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT; German: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie). Your research will focus on understanding and predicting the reactivity of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), which are essential for reducing clinker content and lowering the carbon footprint of cement production.

This is a unique opportunity to combine academic excellence with real-world industrial impact and contribute to the development of more sustainable construction materials.

Your place of work will be Leimen, nearby Heidelberg, Germany.

YOUR NEXT CHALLENGE

Supplementary cementitious materials such as slags, recycled concrete paste, volcanic materials, basalt, feldspar, and other aluminosilicate-rich resources play a key role in the transition towards low-carbon cement. However, their reactivity varies significantly and is often difficult to predict.

In this PhD project, you will investigate the fundamental reaction mechanisms of SCMs and develop a novel Reactive Index (RSI) to assess and predict their reactivity. Your work will contribute to a deeper understanding of hydration kinetics and support the development of predictive models for next-generation composite cements.

Your Responsibilities

• Conduct original doctoral research in collaboration with KIT

• Investigate the reaction kinetics and reactivity of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)

• Characterize raw materials and analyze their phase composition, structure, and surface properties

• Design and execute experimental studies in simplified and real cementitious systems

• Evaluate activation methods and their influence on SCM performance

• Analyze and interpret scientific data to develop a mechanistic understanding of hydration processes

• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences

• Collaborate with internal R&D experts and external academic partners

• Prepare and submit your doctoral dissertation

YOUR PROFILE

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Geosciences, or a related field

• Strong academic record and genuine interest in scientific research

• Motivation to pursue a PhD degree

• Experience with laboratory work, data analysis, and scientific reporting

• Knowledge of cementitious materials, mineral processing, sustainable materials, or reaction kinetics is an advantage

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within interdisciplinary teams

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent written and spoken English

• German language skills are beneficial but not required

OUR OFFER

• A fully integrated PhD program in cooperation with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT; German: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie)  

• The opportunity to work on cutting-edge research supporting the decarbonization of cement production

• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and international experts

• A collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment

• Opportunities for scientific publications, conference participation, and professional development

• The chance to create tangible impact in one of the world's most essential industries