EPSRC FIBE3 CDT Studentship: Concrete and Extreme Weather

About the role

This is a four-year (1+3 MRes/PhD) studentship funded through the Cambridge EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment (FIBE3 CDT), in collaboration with National Highways. It studies how extreme weather affects concrete, combining climate-change mitigation and adaptation: lowering embodied carbon while extending the life of existing infrastructure. The work sits in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge.

Key responsibilities

• Use advanced digital measurement techniques together with concrete characterisation experiments under controlled and/or accelerated exposure conditions such as temperature, humidity and carbonation.
• Investigate macro-scale and micro-scale models for prediction, using AI tools where appropriate, to infer correlations and build physics-informed models.
• Analyse the trade-off between quality and embodied carbon in evidence-based ways.
• Produce knowledge that frames guidance on acceptable weather conditions during concrete placement and predicts detrimental effects of severe in-service exposure, helping future-proof new and existing infrastructure.

Required profile

• A high 2.1 degree, preferably a 1st class, in engineering, science or a related discipline, preferably at Master's level.
• Previous expertise in concrete materials is desirable.
• Funding is fully covered (fees and maintenance) for eligible home students first; a limited number of international students may be considered later.

Applications are made online through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal, stating the project title and supervisor's name, with a £20 application fee. Early applications are strongly encouraged.