Arbetsbeskrivning

Are you a researcher or material scientist with a passion for developing an area of cement chemistry and eager to make a tangible impact on the built environment with a possibility to lead projects, analyse data and test new ideas? Then, we believe that you will be a perfect candidate to join our RISE team of experts at Material Design to push the boundaries of innovation in cement and concrete technology.

About us The purpose of RISE is to be a global leader in research and innovation, supporting sustainable growth in Sweden through increasing competitiveness and know-how of the industry, as well as promoting sustainable transition of the public sector and to contribute to meeting societal challenges together with market actors.

Unit Material Design within the Department of Infrastructure and Concrete Technology works to develop new cementitious materials, concrete recipes for different types of applications, as well as apply new structural solutions for construction and infrastructure. Our strategic areas of development are: Alternative binders, Concrete Technology, Structural analysis and condition assessment, Recycling and CCS/CCU, and 3D concrete printing. Our unit works closely with the largest cement and concrete producers, as well as entrepreneurs, infrastructure owners, public bodies, regulatory and standardisation committees in Sweden and internationally. The unit has 20 colleagues with interdisciplinary expertise in cement and binder chemistry, material science, as well as civil and structural engineering.

About the position As a researcher in the Department of Infrastructure and Concrete Technology, you will contribute with your expertise to multiple projects and develop your own multidisciplinary research in collaboration with the department and the whole RISE. You will be involved in transforming the Swedish industry towards a lower environmental and climate footprint with applied research by writing proposals and applying for grants in Sweden and international levels. You will dive into the chemistry of cementitious materials, exploring everything from hydration kinetics to the development of low-carbon binders. The work in projects includes laboratory work in inorganic chemistry (development and validation of alternative binders including supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), properties characterisation, durability, etc.) and requires a broader understanding of building materials. 

Communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills are required in the role of project leader which covers control and monitoring of technical progress, time plan and budget, as well as presentation/reporting of project results to the partners, financiers and broader public. You will also have the possibility to be part of our commissioned research such as supporting clients in product development, advanced testing of new materials or providing technical expertise.

The placement for this position is Borås.

Who are you? We are looking for a researcher (holding a PhD degre) in civil or material engineering, material science, mineralogy or equivalent with experience in conducting applied research:

Requirements:

• You have defended or will get your PhD soon in geology, mineralogy, or materials technology with solid experience in conducting applied research
• Strong foundation in cement chemistry with deep knowledge of hydration and SCMs
• Experience in laboratory work with alternative binders for cement and concrete or construction materials, with deep knowledge of hydration and SCMs
• Deep knowledge and experience with one or more of the following: alternative binders, sustainable cement technologies, SCMs, concrete production, low-carbon concrete, carbonation processes for inorganic materials, transport properties, thermodynamic modelling, durability testing, alkali activation, application of secondary materials in concrete.
• Knowledge and documented experience with analytical methods such as TGA, XRD, microXRF, SEM, calorimetry, etc.
• Swedish and/or English in speech and writing

Additional advantage:

• Experience in working with customers and public financiers (preparing quotes and proposals for research projects and services, project leading)
• Experience in industrial cement and concrete or R&D
• Programming or data analysis skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB)
• You have published journal papers and presented at international conferences
• Experience with petrography and analysis of thin-sections of concrete

As a person, you are active in fulfilling your tasks with an ability to work individually, as well as in a team. You set high goals for yourself and your team and are motivated to achieve them. You are an innovation-driving person within research and technical commissions, and you appreciate implementing gained knowledge in practice. You have excellent analytical skills and good communication skills in English.

Are we a match? At RISE, we appreciate differences, and we are convinced that diversity contributes to an innovative environment where we together challenge boundaries and develop new knowledge and skills for the future. We cannot promise you an easy job, but what we can promise you is a team of committed colleagues and some exciting societal challenges to tackle. You will work in a dynamic environment that gives you development opportunities both professionally and personally. With us, you get the opportunity to make a real impact. Welcome to the Research Institutes of Sweden.

Welcome with your application! Does it sound interesting to you and do you want to know more? You are welcome to contact the recruiting manager: Jan Suchorzewski, unit manager – Material Design, 010 516 68 02. The application deadline is the 7th of September 2025. Selection and interviews are going to take place throughout the whole application period. The first day of work is to be agree. 

Union representatives are: Linda Ikatti, Unionen, 010-516 51 61, och Ingemar Petermann, SACO, +46 10 228 41 22.