The available position is for a Research Assistant (Technician) to work on the project titled “Developing the Omani Sarooj User Guide.” The project is supported by industry collaboration and aims to establish a technically grounded basis for using Sarooj, a traditional Omani building material, in heritage restoration and modern construction. The post is laboratory-based and supports the experimental work of the project, including specimen preparation, curing and testing, together with related site and documentation tasks.

The Research Assistant will assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in the following tasks:
o Prepare materials and mixes, and cast, demould and label test specimens according to the instructions of the PI.
o Manage curing of specimens and maintain complete, traceable records of batches and test samples.
o Carry out mechanical and physical tests on mortar and concrete specimens following the specified standard procedures.
o Assist with other laboratory and environmental tests as the project requires.
o Prepare specimens and samples for testing, including cutting and coring, and handle their dispatch where needed.
o Assist with site visits and on-site trials.
o Record test results accurately, organise them in spreadsheets, and help the PI check and report the data.
o Maintain laboratory equipment, keep the working area in order, and follow safety procedures at all times.
o Support the PI in progress reporting and in preparing project deliverables.
 

o Previous hands-on experience in a concrete, mortar or construction materials testing laboratory is preferred.
o Familiarity with specimen casting, curing and compression or flexure testing to EN or ASTM procedures is an advantage.
o Exposure to plastering, lime-based materials or heritage restoration work will be considered an asset.
 

o Working knowledge of cementitious materials, mix proportioning by weight, and the influence of water content and curing on strength.
o Competence in operating mixers, moulds, balances, ovens and compression or flexure machines, with attention to calibration and tolerances.
o Careful and consistent record keeping, with the ability to organize test data in Excel.
o Ability to follow written test procedures and to work both independently and as part of a small research team.
o Sound awareness of laboratory health and safety practice.
o Good communication skills in English; Arabic is an advantage.
o Willingness to work on site and to adjust working hours when casting or testing schedules require it.
 

At least a Diploma in Civil Engineering, Construction Technology, Materials Technology, or a related field. A BSc in Civil Engineering or a related discipline will be considered an advantage.