Postdoctoral Researcher in Biomineralization and Self-Healing Concrete

Job Summary

The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering and the Materials Science and Engineering Program invites applications for multiple Postdoctoral Associate positions under the supervision of Prof.

Wil Srubar and Prof. Mija Hubler. The University of Colorado Boulder provides an outstanding, world-class research environment.

A highly motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher is sought with training and expertise in microbiology, cement chemistry, and concrete durability.

The project, funded by DARPA, involves engineering biological vascular inspired repair of aged concrete. The postdoctoral researchers will design and conduct advanced microbiology and materials characterization experiments pertaining to biological cement paste, mortar, and concrete.

When appropriate, the postdoctoral researchers will design new experimental protocols to advance specialized experimentation and materials characterization techniques related to the structure, function, and properties of biomineralized, self-healing cement paste, mortar, and concrete.

The postdoctoral researchers will be expected to enhance the vision and mission of a vibrant, cross-disciplinary collaborative research team at the University of Colorado Boulder at the intersection of microbiology, cement chemistry, materials science, and civil and architectural engineering.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

We are a team of interdisciplinary researchers in civil engineering with expertise in living building materials, geotechnical research, pavement repair, concrete cracking and degradation.

We are leading a project in collaboration with researchers at Drexel University, NCSU, and partnering companies. The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering's mission is the education of undergraduate and graduate students to become leaders in the professional practice of engineering, contributing to technological advances that benefit humankind while enhancing the earth’s physical and biological resources.

The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering fosters an environment of inclusivity and celebrates the increasing diversity of faculty, staff, and student body.

We are committed to fostering inclusive excellence and have adopted priorities to guide our values and practices.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Design and conduct fundamental biological and cement-based materials science experiments in support of project goals and milestones;
• Collect, prepare, and analyze data for publication in high-quality scientific journals;
• Prepare visual media for scientific and technical audiences;
• Work collaboratively with a diverse, interdisciplinary team of graduate students, research scientists, internal and external to the University of Colorado Boulder;
• Assist in drafting and reviewing project technical reports;
• Supervising, training, and mentoring other laboratory personnel.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary range associated with this position is $69,680 - $72,468.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass.

The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the .

Be Statements

Be collaborative. Be game-changing. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• PhD in civil engineering, materials science, environmental engineering, or a related field;
• Strong technical foundation and eAxperience in standard and advanced lab-scale microbiology techniques, cement-based materials characterization (e.
• g., SEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR, DSC), and mechanical testing;
• Excellent technical writing skills, as evidenced by multiple high-quality peer-reviewed publications;
• Ability to work independently and possess a strong passion for (and commitment to) sustainability and interdisciplinary research;
• High motivation for mentorship, project management, and collaboration;
• Strong technical foundation and experience in one or more of the following areas :
• Standard and advanced lab-scale microbiology techniques, preferably in the area of microbial biomineralization.
• Advanced X-ray micro-computed tomography imaging and multi-scale characterization of cementitious materials and microstructures.

Knowledge and experience in advanced image analysis, data manipulation, and statistical analyses are also required.

Experience working with industry-standard mechanical testing of cement paste, mortar, and concrete. Knowledge of concrete cracking, aging, and chemical degradation principles.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience working with fungi and / or bacteria in cementitious systems;
• Experience with designing, testing, and characterizing self-healing cementitious materials;
• Experience with microencapsulation of microorganisms; and
• Experience working with ZEISS Xradia 520 Versa and Dragonfly Pro software.
30+ days ago