EPSERC - Lithium mass balance in sedimentary lithium deposits

About the Project

Lithium is a main constituent in batteries for grid storage and electric vehicles and a critical resource for the energy transition. Volcano-sedimentary and closed basin sedimentary systems represent significant global lithium reserves, where lithium is ultimately derived from catchment lithologies, airborne dust and subsurface fluids. Concentration occurs via evaporative processes and incorporation into clays. The relative importance of different sources, mobilisation and concentration processes, and lithium fluxes are still poorly constrained. Consequently, the prediction how lithium moves through the crust and becomes concentrated into basin-scale economic accumulations remains uncertain, limiting efficient and sustainable extraction.

The proposed PhD project aims to construct a lithium mass balance from geological and geochemical field data and backed by numerical modelling of the lithium system. The focus is on small-scale volcano-sedimentary and closed basin sedimentary systems in Chile and the USA with existing geological mapping, geochemical data and drill cores, to be complemented by targeted additional field data acquisition. The database built in this project supports subsurface and reactive transport modelling. Project methodology involves field sampling, petrographic and geochemical laboratory analyses, and numerical modelling using standard software (Petrel, Tough-React).

We are looking for a candidate with a background in petrographic and geochemical data acquisition, and exposure to the use of numerical techniques to solve geological questions. Previous experience in subsurface and reactive transport modelling will be advantageous. A track record of academic engagement with the research community and outreach activities will be a plus to this role. The successful candidate will be based at the University of Manchester and will join an international team of researchers with access to world-class analytical facilities where all the necessary training will be provided. Periods of laboratory and field work – where appropriate – may be spent at partner institutions in Chile, Spain and the USA.

The successful candidate must hold (or expect to achieve) a First or 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent) and ideally a Masters-level degree in a relevant earth sciences discipline. The project is open to UK and international students, who will need to apply for a study visa. Successful candidates must be able to start the project by 31 July 2026. Please contact Dr Stefan Schroeder (Email: stefan.schroeder@manchester.ac.uk) to discuss the project and application details. Submit your application (including letter of motivation, CV, contact details of 2 academic references, academic transcripts) to the University of Manchester postgraduate research portal. Deadline to submit your application is 15 May 2026.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) applicants. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. EU students with settled or pre-settled status and international student can apply but their application eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The start date is July 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.