Research Fellow in durability of bio- infrastructure

Research Fellow in durability of bio-based infrastructure (Fixed term)

• Contract Type: Fixed Term
• Job Type: Research
• Salary Range: £38,784 - £46,049 per annum
• Hours: Full Time
• School / Department: Civil Engineering and Built Environment
• Closing Date: 25/02/2026
• : 5349
• Documents: 5349 JD Research Fellow (Fixed term).pdf

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn't exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong.

Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

Liverpool John Moores University has been awarded funding from UKRI to develop the Med-IREN project:
Mediterranean critical Infrastructure Resilience Engineering with Nature based solutions (UKRI Horizon Europe HORIZON-MISS-2023-CLIMA-01-02) to further knowledge and practice within the field of durability of construction, to integrate Nature based Solutions into grey infrastructure to strengthen resilience in Mediterranean climate hot spots.

LJMU supports the design of structures by quantifying potential waste and incorporating biomaterials using locally available resources, leveraging its expertise in molecular analysis of bio‑feedstock, waste valorisation, degradation kinetics & durability, mineralogical phase characterisation of materials, lab‑based testing on electrochemical techniques, microstructure performance evaluation and computational modelling.

• Assess and enhance the durability of reinforced zero‑cement concrete and bio‑based materials compositions, utilising regional and European resources.
• Conduct thorough laboratory testing and self‑healing systems, performing a variety of durability tests.
• Apply and refine molecular and microstructural analysis and waste valorisation techniques in support of the project.
• Work collaboratively with the research team within the School of Engineering and Built Environment.
• Raise the profile of the project and promote its activities.

• Proven track record on molecular and microstructural analysis, waste valorisation with stabilisation, degradation kinetics & durability.
• Engineering knowledge of electrochemical techniques towards durability and performance evaluation of construction materials.
• Strong experience working in a team environment.
• Ability to self‑motivate and achieve ambitious goals and exceed expectations.
• Alignment with the SDGs and commitment to nature‑based solutions in infrastructure resilience.

• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Pension scheme.
• Induction and development support.
• Family‑friendly policies.

The role is a fixed‑term post for 2 years and will close to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date (25/02/2026), unless otherwise stated.

LJMU is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and communities irrespective of age, transgender status, disability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and religion or belief. All appointments are made on merit.

LJMU is committed to adhering to the Principles set out in the Researcher Development Concordat; all fixed‑term researchers will be supported to complete 10 days professional development activities per year (pro‑rata).