Project Summary
The
project focuses on the development and evaluation of Stabilized Soil Blocks
(SSBs) and Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) at the Soil-Cement Laboratory,
Institute of Cement and Concrete, Meru University of Science & Technology
(MUST). The primary aim is to produce sustainable, cost-effective, and durable
building blocks using locally available soil materials stabilized with
appropriate cement and additives. This initiative seeks to contribute to
affordable housing solutions, promote environmentally friendly construction
practices, and enhance the technical capacity of academicians, researchers,
policy makers, regulators and other industry professionals in innovative
cement-earth-based construction technologies. Through comprehensive testing and
analysis, the project aims to establish optimal mix designs, mechanical
properties, and construction guidelines for industry practitioner’s
applications.
Project Objectives
- Determine the optimal mix proportions of soil,
stabilizers (such as cement), and water to achieve desirable strength,
durability, and dimensional stability.
- Develop and produce Stabilized Soil Blocks
(SSBs) and Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) suitable for sustainable
construction using locally sourced soils and stabilizers.
- Evaluate the physical and mechanical properties
of the blocks, including compressive strength, water absorption, density,
and durability.
- Analyze the environmental and economic benefits
of using stabilized soil and compressed earth blocks as sustainable
building materials.
- Establish standardized testing procedures and
quality control measures for the production of SSBs and CEBs.
- Promote awareness and capacity building among
academia, researchers, industry professionals, policy makers and local
communities on the advantages of soil-cement earth-based construction
materials.
- Development of training workshops that inform
but also deliver data for the final policy advice derived from the
research.
- Policy advice, recommendations, tangible,
reliable, and scalable data.
Project Location
- This is a full-time position based in
Meru-Kenya. The Research Assistant / Research Fellow will be primarily
based at the Institute of Cement and Concrete, Meru University of Science
& Technology, Meru-Kenya. The successful applicants will be expected
work closely with the project partners within and outside Kenya.
Job Description
- We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Research
Assistant / Research Fellow specializing in soil-cement research. The
successful candidate will contribute to advanced research involving soil
testing, geotechnical applications, and soil-cement materials. The role
involves experimental work, data analysis, and collaboration with a
multidisciplinary team to advance knowledge in soil stabilization
techniques.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct soil testing for geotechnical and
soil-cement applications following standard protocols.
- Perform laboratory experiments related to
soil-cement materials, including preparation, curing, and testing.
- Analyze data and interpret results to support
research objectives.
- Contribute to research publications, reports,
and presentations.
- Collaborate with team members on ongoing
projects and assist in developing and implementing new research
methodologies.
- Maintain precise documentation of experimental
procedures and results.
Qualifications and Requirements
Educational Qualifications
- Atleast a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Civil
Engineering, Material Science, Earth Sciences or an equivalent discipline
Professional Experience & Skills
- Solid knowledge of soil testing techniques
relevant to geotechnical applications.
- Prior research experience involving soil
materials, particularly in testing and analysis for geotechnical purposes.
- Familiarity with soil-cement stabilization,
including preparation, curing, and testing methods.
- Ability to operate laboratory equipment and
conduct standardized soil-cement tests accurately.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in
data analysis software.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and
verbal.
- Proficiency in use of Standards and Testing
Protocols in accordance with established standards such as: ASTM Standards
(e.g., ASTM D1883 for CBR, ASTM D4318 for Atterberg limits), AASHTO
Guidelines, IS Codes (e.g., IS 2720 series for soil testing) and BS
Standards (British Standards for geotechnical testing).
- Knowledge of hydraulic road binders and
stabilized soil blocks.
Additional Requirements
- Availability to commence the role by 1stJanuary
2026.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a
team.
How to Apply
Applicants
should email their motivation letter, valid passport (biometric page only),
certified copies of Bachelors degree certificate and transcripts as well as
curriculum vitae (CV) giving details of their qualifications, experience and
three (3) referees indicating their telephone contacts and e-mail contacts;
Applications and related documents should be forwarded addressed to the;
Director
Institute of Cement
& Concrete
Meru University of
Science & Technology
Meru-Kenya
P.O Box 972-60200
Meru-Kenya
Applications
should be emailed as one file in PDF: icc@must.ac.ke
Closing
Date: 30th November, 2025
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
