"Postdoctoral Researcher in Rare Earth Element Valorisation and Extraction"

THE CENTER FOR MATERIALS INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY (CMIT)

Materials science underpins nearly every modern technology from clean energy and AI to electronics, biomedicine, defense, and space exploration. The Center for Materials Innovation and Technology (CMIT) aims to become a leading hub for research and international collaboration in advanced materials, driving Vietnam’s strategic technological advancement. CMIT fosters breakthrough innovation in materials for electronics, energy, biomedicine, and sustainability, while nurturing young scientists and future leaders who create knowledge and value for a sustainable future.

By 2030, CMIT aspires to be recognized among the world’s leading centers for materials innovation, advancing sustainable technologies, promoting global collaboration, and training a new generation of scientific leaders who transform knowledge into societal and national impact.

Research areas:

• Rare-Earth Materials and Recycling Technologies
• Sustainable Energy Materials for Green Technologies
• Quantum Materials for Next-Generation Technologies
• AI-Integrated Smart Sensors for Environmental and Healthcare Monitoring

We welcome applications from those with expertise in or across these disciplines:

• Computational materials modeling: DFT, molecular dynamics, phase-field modeling, or multiscale simulations.
• Data-driven materials discovery: ML models for property prediction, materials design, or synthesis optimization.
• AI/ML methods development: Neural networks, graph neural networks (GNNs), generative AI, or active learning for materials applications.
• Integration of theory and experiment: Using computation and ML to interpret or guide experimental work.
• High-performance computing (HPC) and data management for large-scale materials datasets.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Join us if you have:

• Doctorate degree from a globally recognized institution, with expertise in materials science
• Strong vision for impactful, forward-thinking research and innovation.
• Proven record of high-impact research and top-tier publications.
• Passion for education and advancing science through innovative projects.
• Adaptable and driven to address global and local challenges, especially those relevant to Vietnam.
• Alignment with VinUni’s core values: Empathy, Exceptional Capability, Creativity, Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Leadership Mindset.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the project “Rare Earth Element Valorisation and Extraction in Vietnam: An Integrated Sustainability Approach” which addresses Vietnam’s strategic need for environmentally responsible and low-carbon pathways for rare earth element (REE) recovery and processing. The project integrates computational modelling, experimental research, fieldwork and appropriate sustainability tools (eg life cycle assessment) to evaluate and develop sustainable REE extraction routes. The postdoc will work on the molecular-level understanding and design of functionalized adsorbents for selective REE recovery from dilute or complex matrices. In addition, the postdoc is expected to conduct experimental and field-based investigations of biomass-assisted and nature-based extraction approaches in Vietnam.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to:

• Apply computational models (or collaborate with computational experts) for REE–adsorbent interactions.
• Perform or co-develop environmental impact analyses for REE processing routes.
• Design and conduct laboratory experiments and selected fieldwork related to biomass-based REE extraction in Vietnam.
• Analyze and integrate experimental, modeling and environmental-based data to develop sustainability insights.
• Co-supervise students and contribute to the overall research culture of the group.
• Present research findings at conferences, workshops and meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Materials Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Applied Chemistry or related discipline.
• Strong record of publications in Journal Citation Indexed (JCR) journals.
• Qualification or experience in any of the following disciplines: Life Cycle Assessment, Density Functional Theory or Materials Experimentation & Characterization.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A competitive and negotiable salary, commensurate with experience and expertise.
• The opportunity to work in a dynamic research environment at a leading university in Vietnam.
• Engagement in cutting-edge sustainability-focused research projects.
• Collaboration with renowned scientists and industry leaders at the national and international levels.
• Professional development opportunities including training programmes and participation in international conferences.