PhD scholarship in inorganic contaminants in binder-based construction materials when using secondary raw materials DTU Sustain

Are you passionate about the valorization of secondary raw materials and making construction materials more sustainable Do you want to make sure that construction materials with secondary raw materials are safe from inorganic contaminants and will not lead to detrimental contamination in the built environment or the surrounding environment

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join our dynamic and interdisciplinary research team in the Section of Construction Materials and Durability at DTU Sustain. Through advanced experimental work and modelling you will help uncover how inorganic contaminants from incineration ashes used as secondary raw materials will affect binder-based construction materials. The investigations will bridge different levels from leaching tests to the characterization of the materials to elucidate the fate of key elements in binder-based construction materials.

By joining us you will gain expertise in the implementation of circular construction advanced analytical techniques and modelling of binder chemistry while contributing to the green transition of the construction sector.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The project will investigate how inorganic contaminants (metals and salts)introduced from the incineration ashesinteract within binder matrices such as alkali-activated and cement-based materials. The research aims to determine the fixation potential of the inorganic contaminants the interaction with hydration phases and their mobility by studying phase assemblages pore solution chemistry and leaching properties.

As a PhD student your primary tasks will be to:

• Be responsible for conducting your own independent research project
• Conduct literature review to identify research gaps and defining research questions and hypotheses
• Combine laboratory-based experimental work with modelling approaches to address the research questions
• Lead the project dissemination and publish the project results in international peer-reviewed journals throughout the PhD study
• Present your work at seminars and international conferences
• Participate in teaching activities both in the departments courses as well as supervision of BSc and MSc students

At DTU Sustain you will be part of a lively research environment with other PhD projects that are related to yours. You will have access to world-classfacilities and experienced internationally recognized staff with opportunities for strong collaboration and exchange. Your daily life will be spent in shared PhD offices and in the laboratories.

We seek a candidate who has:

• Experience or strong interest in cement chemistry and/or alkali-activated materials is a plus
• Experience with thermodynamic modelling and characterization methods like quantitative XRD is a plus
• The ability to work independently to plan and carry out complicated tasks including laboratory work
• Motivation to work in interdisciplinary and sustainability-focused research on waste valorization

You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters degreein civil engineering material science chemistry or related fields

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme please see DTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applications will be made byAssociate Professor Gunvor M. Kirkelund and Associate Professor Wolfgang Kunther who will be the supervisors of the project.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research education innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date as soon as possible in 2026 and according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Gunvor M. Kirkelund

You can read more about DTU Sustain at

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation to Denmark and startup Zoom seminar for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than14 December 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply please open the link Apply now fill out the online application form and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age gender disability race religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology which is subject to special rules for security and export control open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Sustain - Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering- is one of the largest university departments specializing in environmental and resource engineering in Europe. The department conducts research development & scientific advice and provides educational programs and service to are working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies methods and solutions and to disseminate this knowledge to society and future generations of Department has approximately 300 staff from more than 30 nationalities.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UNs 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13500 students and 6000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive evolving and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.