Post-Doctoral Fellow/Research Associate

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Fixed-term position (1 year)

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Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Associate to assist with multiple areas of the low-carbon materials research programme.

In this project, you will assist research students and faculty and conduct research to support the development of low-carbon binders and sustainable concrete construction. This work will seek to develop the low-carbon binders using a variety of different materials and minerals available both within New Zealand and internationally. You will utilize a variety of analytical equipment (ie. SEM-EDX, XRF, XRD, TGA, FTIR, GC …) to assess and model the hydration and microstructural development of various cement binder systems and quantify the pore structure (ie. Resistivity, permeability…) of concrete produced from materials. Processing of the material to enhance reactivity or sequester CO2 may also be an important component of the work.

The research team is primarily based at the University of Canterbury but we expect there will be opportunities to work with internationally recognised leading researchers. The position offers many continuous professional development opportunities, including the ability to co-write research grant proposals and more practically orientated industrial work.

For more information about the project and the team can be found as follows:

Key research responsibilities include:

• Ensure that research design and testing is of the highest standard by appropriate analysis and presentation of results, communicating findings as appropriate, including the writing of papers and reports and if appropriate attending conferences and meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality concerning all aspects of the project, as required to retain intellectual property rights.
• Develop and maintain contact with other potential collaborators.
• Assist in supervision and mentorship of postgraduate students and other members of the research group.
• Maintain awareness of current developments in own area of expertise.
• Actively participate as a team member of the research group.
• Assist with/participate in focus group discussions, interviews etc. as required.

Key administrative and management responsibilities include:

• Provide assistance with the day-to-day management of group research activities, and in general, assist with other research tasks necessary for the success of projects components being undertaken by the research group.
• Carry out administrative functions, limited in scope and time, primarily connected with the research being undertaken.
• Attend and actively contribute to meetings and seminars.
• Research, collate and analyse information, and summarise findings in a variety of formats, including spread sheets and graphic work.
• Develop and implement electronic and paper-based filing, recording and archiving systems.
• Facilitate and coordinate project work, including developing project plans, participating in project team meetings, and project implementation.

Mōu | Who You Are
You will ideally have the following:

• a PhD in Civil Engineering, Material Science, Chemical and Process Engineering or a related discipline (for the Postdoctoral rank)
• a Master's degree in related discipline (for the Research Associate rank)
• a publication track record as well as experience with preparation and delivery of quality oral presentations to a wide range of audiences is essential
• A research background and expert knowledge of cement chemistry including: geopolymers, calcined clay based materials, carbon dioxide capture, waste immobilization in concrete, low carbon binders or mineral reactions is required
• Additional knowledge and research background in either carbon dioxide capture, low carbon binders or mineral reactions is desirable
• Demonstrated experience of excellent research capabilities (design and leadership) required to carry out innovative and insightful research
• Practical work and experience in casting of concrete and assessing physical and durability properties and testing rheological properties would be highly desirable
• Ability to use XRF, XRD, SEM-EDX, TGA, FTIR, GC and other analytical tools
• A proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to a wide variety or groups including scientific and non-scientific audiences
• Strong quantitative and data analysis skills, numerical modelling, and programming
• Ability and willingness to undertake collaborative research
• The ability to work creatively and independently.
• Act in accordance with the requirements of professional integrity in the workplace

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
The role of the Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering (CNRE) is to remain at the forefront of research and technology and preserve our strong international reputation for high quality teaching. We aim to constantly develop our alumni and industry partnerships, to provide students with the highest level of training, and to expand the scope of our research expertise by attracting and retaining highly-skilled academic and support staff.

For more about the Department, please visit: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/engineering/schools/cnre/

Please take a virtual tour of our Engineering facilities.

Ngā Uara | Our Values
We value manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha and these uara (values) guide our decisions and behaviour. Our values provide a roadmap for how we do things, affirming our commitment to the oranga (health, safety and wellbeing) of our students through mana-enhancing pastoral care and support. Ngā Uara challenge and inspire us to be the best we can be. They make UC a great place to work and study.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora - Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.

The University of Canterbury is committed to accessible higher education, service to community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements
• Supportive working environment
• Generous annual leave provisions and competitive salary
• Professional development opportunities
• A unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff club at discounted rates plus onsite café's and eateries, and more.

For more information, please visit: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit www.canterbury.ac.nz

For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Allan Scott, allan.scott@canterbury.ac.nz 

The closing date for this position is: Friday, 22 August 2025 (midnight NZ time)
Please note applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume. 

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz 

If you have questions specifically related to the role or project, please contact Professor Allan Scott, allan.scott@canterbury.ac.nz

Please Note: Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Postdoctoral Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Research Associate will be given, and salary will reflect the Research Associate scale.

Appointable salary for a Post Doctoral Fellow is range is $62,000 - $94,000 (pa)
Appointable salary range for a Research Associate is $61,000 - $73,000 (pa)

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website or the New Zealand Government's official Covid-19 website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.