"Postdoctoral Researcher in Mineral Processing, Battery Materials, and Sustainable Process Engineering"

Job Description

Postdoctoral Researcher in Mineral Processing, Battery Materials, and Sustainable Process Engineering. The researcher will join a multidisciplinary research program aimed at optimizing natural graphite for Li-ion battery applications, developing sustainable purification technologies, and advancing circular water management in mineral processing. The work spans mineral processing, electrochemistry, hydrometallurgy, and environmental engineering. The successful candidate will carry out duties to the highest standard and will:

• Help at designing and setting up experimental work at lab and pilot scale.
• Perform materials characterization (XRD, Raman, SEM-EDS, TGA, PSD, BET, ICP).
• Apply Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical optimization tools to improve processes within the main project and across other ongoing research lines.
• Fabricate and test graphite anodes via electrochemical techniques (CV, EIS, galvanostatic cycling).
• Establish correlations between purification conditions, structural properties, and electrochemical performance.
• Contribute to side research activities involving biomass-derived biochar production, its application in water purification, and the evaluation of adsorption or catalytic performance.
• Analyze wastewater streams for organic and inorganic contaminants.
• Evaluate recovery or reuse pathways for reagents and valuable by-products.
• Assess environmental, economic, and regulatory implications of proposed solutions.
• Propose scalable solutions for industrial implementation and Water-Energy-Materials nexus.
• Collaborate with suppliers, support staff, and other engineers, PhD students to plan and implement experiments related to the project.
• Set up testing methods, instruments and perform data acquisition related to the project.
• Write proposals, reports, scientific articles and Patent proposals related to the project.

Candidate Profile

• Strong proficiency in software tools related to materials/process modeling, thermochemical systems, statistical design (DoE), and data analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Solid understanding of the physics, chemistry, and structure–property relationships of carbon materials and inorganic solids.
• Strong skills in materials characterization techniques, including SEM, XRD, Raman, BET, TGA, ICP, and electrochemical testing.
• Experience with hydrometallurgical and thermochemical processes, carbon purification, or mineral processing is required; familiarity with pyrolysis or other high-temperature treatments is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to perform experimental work at lab scale, with experience in pilot-scale setups considered a plus.
• Proven track record in designing, conducting, and optimizing experiments, ideally supported by DoE/statistical methods.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and multicultural research team.
• Prior experience in industrial research and development, battery materials, mineral processing, or related sectors is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work with industry partners and deliver results within defined deadlines.

Education

Successful candidates must hold a PhD degree in Materials Science, Chemical or Process Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a closely related discipline. A strong background in carbon materials, battery materials, sustainable purification processes, or thermochemical treatment of solids is highly desirable.