Research Assistant/Associate - PhD Position in Cold In-Situ Recycling (f/m/d)

The Aachen Institute for Highway Engineering (ISAC) at RWTH Aachen University stands for a sustainable and digital transport infrastructure. As a research institution, we therefore focus on the development and use of modern technologies and processes in the area of ​​road infrastructure.

The Institute of Highway Engineering is inviting applications for a PhD position focused on advancing the application of Cold In-Situ Recycling technologies, with a specific emphasis on Bitumen Stabilised Materials (BSM). This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of environmentally sustainable and cost-efficient pavement solutions.

• A University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in pavement engineering, asphalt technology, or recycling techniques will be highly valued.
• Strong background in laboratory testing, material characterisation, and data analysis.
• Good communication skills in English and German.

Cold in-situ recycling of 100% asphalt milled material using foamed bitumen is increasingly recognised for its long-term performance and economic advantages. The recycled mixtures typically include 2% foamed bitumen and 1% cement or lime as an active filler, referred to as Bitumen Stabilised Material (BSM). This material exhibits unique properties, including enhanced cohesion and internal friction, requiring a distinct approach to sampling, dimensioning, and testing compared to conventional asphalt.

This PhD research will focus on optimising BSM performance, developing improved testing methods, and supporting the broader adoption of cold recycling techniques in road rehabilitation and construction projects.

• Assist in the planning of annual conferences on asphalt recycling technologies at RWTH Aachen
• Contribute to the management of a working group on Bitumen Stabilised Materials, involving contractors, researchers, and administrators.
• Conduct research on cold in-situ recycling techniques, optimising material performance, and assessing mechanical properties and durability through laboratory and field testing.
• Analyse data to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of recycling methods and contribute to the development of practical applications in collaboration with industry partners.
• Publish research findings in scientific journals, present at conferences, and participate in interdisciplinary workshops.

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.
The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term initially for a period of 3 years.
An extension is possible.
The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts).
This is a part-time contract position.
The standard weekly hours will be 31,86 hours.
This is an 80% position.
The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position.
The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).
The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

RWTH is a certified family-friendly University. We support our employees in maintaining a good work-life balance with a wide range of health, advising, and prevention services, for example university sports. Employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements and civil servants have access to an extensive range of further training courses and the opportunity to purchase a job ticket.
RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly from groups that are underrepresented at the University. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is strongly committed to encouraging women in their careers. Female applicants are given preference if they are equally suitable, competent, and professionally qualified, unless a fellow candidate is favored for a specific reason.
As RWTH is committed to equality of opportunity, we ask you not to include a photo in your application.
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