Job Summary Table of Wind Turbine Recycling

🌍 Wind Turbine Recycling Research Project Overview

Job Description Summary

A research position focused on developing innovative methods to recycle waste wind turbine blades into low carbon concrete materials, addressing a critical environmental challenge in the renewable energy sector.

📊 Project Background: The WINDCRETE Initiative

The United Kingdom stands as a global leader in offshore wind energy production, yet the disposal of decommissioned wind turbine blades presents a substantial environmental challenge. Currently, most waste blades end up in landfills or are incinerated, contributing to environmental degradation and wasting valuable resources that could be repurposed.

The WINDCRETE research project aims to address this urgent challenge by pioneering a revolutionary method for recycling waste wind turbine blades and transforming them into eco-friendly concrete materials. This innovative approach not only solves a critical waste management issue but also contributes to the development of sustainable construction materials with reduced carbon footprints.

As the wind energy sector continues to expand, particularly in offshore installations, the need for sustainable end-of-life solutions for turbine components grows increasingly pressing. This project represents a significant step toward creating a circular economy within the renewable energy industry, where today’s wind turbines become tomorrow’s building materials.

🔬 Wind Turbine Recycling Research Responsibilities

As a Research Associate on this cutting-edge project, you will be responsible for three primary research objectives:

• Pozzolanic Reactivity Assessment: Conduct comprehensive evaluations of the pozzolanic reactivity of recycled powders derived from ground waste wind turbine blades. This involves detailed chemical analysis and reactivity testing to determine the material’s potential as a supplementary cementitious material.

• Reactivity Enhancement Research: Identify and develop innovative methods to maximize the pozzolanic reactivity of the recycled powders. You will be tasked with optimizing these enhancement techniques to achieve optimal reactivity for concrete applications.

• Concrete Performance Evaluation: Quantify and analyze the fresh properties, strength development, and durability characteristics of concrete incorporating the recycled wind turbine blade materials. Your findings will inform the optimization of cement replacement ratios to achieve superior strength and durability outcomes.

These objectives will be pursued through the application of advanced experimental techniques and thermodynamic modeling approaches. You will gain comprehensive insights into reaction kinetics, phase assemblage dynamics, and system chemistries related to the recycled materials’ behavior in cementitious systems.

Additionally, your role will involve project management responsibilities, including positive interaction and communication with internal and external partners, development of research proposals, and collaboration with a PhD student also contributing to the project.

🧪 Required Qualifications for Wind Turbine Material Science

To excel in this position, you should possess:

• A PhD degree in engineering, science, or a closely related field, or equivalent research, industrial, or commercial experience
• Demonstrated experience working with cements and supplementary cementitious materials
• Strong knowledge of cement chemistry, phase assemblage analysis, and hydration reaction kinetics
• Fundamental understanding of material properties and their characterization
• A proven track record of publishing high-quality research papers in peer-reviewed journals
• The ability to work independently and organize your work with minimal supervision
• Exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and commitment to research accuracy

🏆 Benefits and Perks of Working at Imperial College

As a member of the Imperial College London staff, you will receive:

• A competitive salary package with attractive terms and conditions of service
• Access to a comprehensive career development program tailored to your professional ambitions
• An appealing pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Family-friendly leave policies and comprehensive support for work-life balance
• A flexible and supportive work environment that encourages employee wellbeing
• Opportunities to collaborate with world-class researchers and industry partners
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment

🏛️ Company Overview: Imperial College London

Imperial College London ranks as a global top ten university where scientific imagination drives world-changing impact. By joining Imperial, you become part of something bigger—a vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff collaborating across nine London campuses and a global network of partners.

From tackling global health challenges to addressing climate change, from advancing artificial intelligence to providing business leadership, Imperial navigates some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact on science, technology, medicine, and beyond.

🌈 Company Culture: Diversity and Excellence at Imperial

Imperial College London is committed to creating an inclusive work environment that fosters equality of opportunity, eliminates discrimination, and welcomes diverse talents. The institution encourages applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and is dedicated to building a team with diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives.

The core values that drive Imperial’s culture include: – Respect for all community members – Collaboration across disciplines and boundaries – Excellence in research and education – Integrity in all endeavors – Innovation in approaches to global challenges

Everyone in the Imperial community is expected to embody these values in their work and interactions.

🚀 Career Growth Opportunities in Sustainable Engineering

This position offers excellent opportunities for career advancement in the rapidly growing fields of sustainable materials engineering and renewable energy technology. As part of the WINDCRETE project, you will:

• Develop specialized expertise in circular economy applications for the renewable energy sector
• Build a professional network with leading researchers and industry partners
• Enhance your publication record in high-impact journals
• Gain experience in managing research projects with real-world applications
• Position yourself at the forefront of sustainable construction materials innovation

📝 Application Process for the Research Associate Position

1. Review the full job description and requirements
2. Prepare your CV/resume and relevant supporting documents
3. Submit your application through Imperial College London’s online application system
4. If shortlisted, participate in the interview process

⏰ Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by May 21, 2025. However, Imperial College reserves the right to close the advertisement earlier if a high volume of suitable applications is received.

📤 How to Apply for the Wind Turbine Recycling Research Position

To apply, please visit the Imperial College London Jobs portal and follow the application instructions.

The anticipated start date for this position is November 1, 2025, though this may be flexible depending on the candidate’s circumstances.

For informal inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Chao Wu at c.wu@imperial.ac.uk.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact Briony Webb at b.webb@imperial.ac.uk.

If you encounter technical issues while applying online, please email support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk for assistance.

Note: Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant rather than Research Associate.

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