Cardiff University School of Engineering Fully Funded PhD 2026

Applications are currently open for this fully funded PhD project which focuses on Transforming Lithium Mining Waste into Next-Generation Low-Carbon Cements

This PhD project addresses this challenge by investigating the valorisation of LMW as an emerging SCM for sustainable construction. The research forms a complementary study to the EPSRC-funded LITHICRETE project, which aims to decarbonise the concrete industry by recycling battery-grade lithium waste. The PhD will focus on the multi-scale characterisation of calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) gel evolution in LMW-based cementitious systems, particularly under harsh environmental conditions such as sulphate attack, carbonation, chloride ingress, and freeze–thaw cycles. Understanding how LMW-derived hydration products form, evolve, and degrade will be key to evaluating their long-term performance and resilience.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMarch 31, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorCardiff University
• City to studyCardiff
• School to studyCardiff University
• Course to studyEngineering
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Tuition fees at the Home rate are covered by the University (£5,006 in 2025/6) and an annual stipend equivalent to current Research Council rates is provided (£20,780 stipend for academic year 2025/6)
• Funding is currently available to Home and International applicants on a full time basis. International students will need to cover the difference in fees. The International fees in 2025/26 are currently £26,700 per year and will be subject to increase in 2026/27

Requirements

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class degree or a good 2.1 (or their equivalent) in Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, or a related subject. 

Desirable skills include:

• Strong background in cement chemistry and materials science
• Experience with laboratory experimentation (e.g., XRD, SEM, TGA, and mechanical testing)
• Familiarity with microstructural characterisation and analytical techniques
• Knowledge of concrete durability, hydration mechanisms, and thermodynamic modelling
• Competence in data analysis, scientific writing, and research communication
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams
• Enthusiasm for sustainable materials innovation and the circular economy

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)

Contact for further information

Please contact Dr Mehdi Chougan at [email protected], or Dr Riccardo Maddalena at [email protected] to informally discuss this opportunity

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/engineering ) including;
  • an upload of your CV
  • a personal statement/covering letter addressing the following questions:
    • Why do you want to pursue a PhD in Engineering?
    • What makes this project exciting to you?
  • two references (applicants are recommended to have a third academic referee, if the two academic referees are within the same department/school)
  • Current academic transcripts
  • Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering), with a start date July 2026.
  • In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select "I will be applying for a scholarship / grant" and specify that you are applying for advertised funding, reference RM NIA 26

For more details, visit Cardiff University Scholarship webpage