Post-Doctoral Associate in the Division of Engineering - Dr. Kemal Celik

The Advanced Materials and Building Efficiency Research Laboratory (AMBER Lab) at New York University Abu Dhabi seeks to recruit a postdoctoral associate to work on the development, characterization, and applications of sustainable construction materials derived from desalination waste. This exciting research will combine innovations in brine-to-cement technologies with advances in low-carbon binders such as reactive magnesium oxide cement (RMC) and belite-calcium sulfoaluminate (BCSA) systems.

The successful applicant will contribute to four main research thrusts that are central to the success of this multidisciplinary project: (i) designing and developing chemical and ion-exchange processes for energy- and cost-efficient recovery of minerals and chemicals from desalination reject brine., (ii) utilizing recovered minerals such as brucite (Mg(OH)₂) and CaCO₃ to produce innovative building materials, including RMC- and BCSA-based composites, (iii) studying carbonation and hydration mechanisms in these sustainable binders at the nanoscale using advanced in-situ characterization techniques, and (iv) quantifying the environmental footprint of recovered materials through life-cycle assessment (LCA) and evaluating their economic feasibility through life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA).

This position offers a unique opportunity to pioneer novel sustainable binders that directly address the dual challenges of brine management and CO₂ emissions reduction. The candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team of PhD-level scientists, graduate, and undergraduate students working at the intersection of water treatment, materials science, and civil engineering.

Applicants should have experience in synthesizing and characterizing cementitious composites. Proficiency in characterizing construction materials micro/nanoscale experimental methods, such as XRD, SEM, TGA/DSC, NMR, or synchrotron-based techniques for hydration/carbonation studies is required. Experience with Portland cement, reactive MgO cements, belite-calcium sulfoaluminate (BCSA) systems, or other low-carbon binders is needed. A strong background in chemical precipitation, ion-exchange processes, mineral recovery, or related aqueous chemistry techniques is a plus. Familiarity with life-cycle assessment (LCA) and/or life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) applied to construction materials will be beneficial for this project. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, or closely related fields. Candidates with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, as well as problem-solving and decision-making abilities, are preferred.

For consideration, applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, statement of research interests, contact information for at least two references and a transcript, all in PDF format. If you have any questions, please email Dr. Kemal Celik at kemal.celik@nyu.edu.

The terms of employment are very competitive and include housing and educational subsidies for children. Applications will be accepted immediately, and candidates will be considered until the position is filled. To be considered, all applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcript of degree, a one-page summary of research accomplishments and interests, and at least 2 letters of recommendation, all in PDF format. Please visit our website at http://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/careers/faculty-positions.html for instructions and information on how to apply.

About NYU Abu Dhabi
https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/
NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.

NYUAD is committed to upholding a culture of non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, and mutual respect; providing equal access and opportunity; and fostering academic excellence in learning, research, and teaching.

UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply.