PhD Studentship: Sustainable Road Binders Derived from a Biogenic Supply Chain

University of Nottingham - Faculty of Engineering
Nottingham, United Kingdom

The University of Nottingham invites applications for a fully funded PhD Studentship focused on developing sustainable road binders derived from a biogenic supply chain. This four-year full-time doctoral opportunity forms part of the EPSRC and BBSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Negative Emission Technologies for Net Zero (Net2Zero), a collaborative partnership between Aston University (lead institution), the University of Nottingham, Queen's University Belfast, and the University of Warwick.

The Net2Zero CDT aims to train the next generation of research leaders capable of developing technologies that remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and replace fossil-based systems with sustainable alternatives. Research areas within the programme include direct air capture, CO utilisation, biochar synthesis and utilisation, biomass conversion to materials and chemicals, and biomass-to-energy systems with carbon capture and storage.

This doctoral project explores the development of sustainable materials for road construction binders derived from renewable biogenic sources. Modern road infrastructure relies heavily on petroleum-derived bitumen and non-renewable aggregates, which contribute significantly to carbon emissions, land use pressures, and resource depletion. Biobased binders are emerging as promising alternatives that may reduce environmental impact while improving durability and ageing resistance. However, large-scale adoption remains limited due to gaps in performance data, insufficient understanding of long-term behaviour, and the lack of standardised testing methods.

The research will investigate new technological routes for producing renewable road binders that could transform asphalt pavements into long-term carbon sinks. The project will evaluate mechanical performance, durability, carbon reduction potential, economic feasibility, and compatibility with circular economy principles. The studentship is primarily funded by the Net2Zero CDT with additional support from Core Additive Technologies Limited, providing opportunities for industry collaboration and practical research experience.

As a doctoral researcher within the CDT programme, the successful candidate will benefit from interdisciplinary training, access to advanced research facilities, and opportunities for international collaboration. The programme includes structured training in engineering, communication, entrepreneurship, and business skills, as well as a three-month placement with industry partners, policymakers, or research collaborators. The supervisory team for the project includes Professor Gordon Airey, Dr Anand Sreeram, Dr Nick Thom, and Dr Richard Taylor.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a Master's degree with a minimum 60% weighted average and/or a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, civil engineering, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related field. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for home-fee status.

• Strong academic background in materials science, chemistry, civil engineering, chemical engineering, biochemistry, microbiology, or related disciplines
• Demonstrated interest in sustainable materials, bio-based technologies, or infrastructure research
• Ability to conduct independent research and contribute to interdisciplinary projects
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills suitable for academic research dissemination
• Motivation to engage with collaborative research environments across academia, industry, and policy sectors

The studentship provides a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate of £21,805 per year for the 2026/27 academic year, full tuition fee coverage, and a generous research training support grant.