PhD on secondary raw materials in sustainable cements 80 - 100%

About the job

Institute of Geological Sciences
Starting from January 2026 or upon agreement, 3.5-year position
The Competence Center for Secondary Raw Materials at the Institute of Geology (University of Bern) works closely with environmental authorities and industry on applied research projects in the context of recycling of secondary raw materials. The long-term project “Secondary Raw Materials in the Circular Economy” is investigating the chemical and mineralogical characteristics of secondary raw materials available in Switzerland and assessing their potential for use in cement production. As part of the project, we are looking for a motivated scientist for a doctoral or early post-doc position to investigate the thermal/mechanical/chemical activation of secondary raw materials for use as supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) in sustainable and CO2-reduced cements.

The research focus lies on a) the thermal and mechanical activation of clay-rich secondary raw materials and b) on chemical activation of demolition materials and incineration residues. The investigations focus on the mineral transformations induced by the activation and their influence on reactivity, complemented by thermodynamic modeling.

The main tasks include:

• Geochemical-mineralogical characterization of the secondary raw materials (XRD, XRF, TGA-FTIR, particle analysis (e.g. BET))
• Investigation of mineral reactions induced by thermal and chemical activation with in-situ non-ambient XRD experiments (incl. method development)
• Laboratory experiments on thermal/mechanical/chemical activation and mineralogical characterization of activated materials (XRD, TGA-FTIR, BET)
• R3 reactivity tests to investigate reactivity as SCM
• Thermodynamic modeling of the mineral reactions during activation and hydration
• Assessment of the activation and recycling potential of the different materials and the resulting environmental benefits

The project will be carried out in collaboration with Vigier Ciments SA and Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology EMPA (B. Lothenbach).

• MSc degree in earth sciences or other scientific discipline
• Strong background in mineralogy and/or geochemistry
• Experience in quantitative phase analysis of P-XRD data using Rietveld method (e.g. TOPAS software) is an asset
• Basic knowledge of programming with python is advantageous
• Highly motivated, creative personality with a proactive mindset and the ability to work independently
• Fluency in German is an advantage (oral and written)

• Highly stimulating research environment within a collegial institute with state-of-the-art infrastructure
• Attractive employment conditions and flexible working hours, including the possibility of home office
• Workplace located in the beautiful city of Bern, offering attractive leisure opportunities

Deadline: November 10, 2025 via email to E-Mail schreiben , containing (as one pdf file):

• Motivation letter
• CV (including diploma and certificates)
• Summary of MSc-Thesis (ca. 1 page), including applied methods
• Contact details of 2-3 references (including MSc supervisor)

For further information, interested candidates are encouraged to contact the project leader, Dr. Mirjam Wolffers, +4179 804 00 69, E-Mail schreiben



More information on the activities of the Competence Center for Secondary Raw Material: fachstelle_sekundaerrohstoffe