Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled postdoctoral researcher to join a multidisciplinary research project dedicated to the sustainable valorization of potash brine and phosphogypsum, with a specific focus on bioleaching technologies. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing the use of environmentally friendly bioleaching techniques for the extraction of valuable resources from these industrial by-products. The project embedded in a circular economy approach aimed at reducing environmental impacts while creating value from industrial co-products, namely phosphogypsum and residual brines generated by sedimentary potash processing activities. The postdoctoral researcher will investigate the valorization of each material separately through physicochemical and biological approaches, with the objective of identifying optimal pathways for resource recovery. The project will also focus on the combined treatment of phosphogypsum and brines, studying the synergistic and symbiotic effects arising from their interaction within integrated bioprocesses. This work will contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable strategies for the recovery of sulfur, magnesium, potassium and other valuable elements from industrial residues.

Area of Research

Valorization of industrial by-products derived from sedimentary potash processing and phosphoric acid production. The research will involve physicochemical and biological treatment approaches for potash brines and phosphogypsum, as well as the development of integrated processes exploiting potential synergistic effects between both materials within a circular economy framework.

Main responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review on potash brine management, phosphogypsum valorization, and related physicochemical and biological processing routes.
• Perform chemical, mineralogical, and physicochemical characterization of potash brines and phosphogypsum.
• Design and carry out laboratory-scale experiments to investigate separate valorization pathways for brines and phosphogypsum;
• Develop and evaluate integrated treatment strategies combining both materials, with particular attention to synergistic and symbiotic effects;
• Study process parameters affecting the recovery of sulfur, magnesium, potassium, and other valuable elements;
• Analyze, interpret, and synthesize experimental results to support process optimization;
• Contribute to the assessment of the environmental and sustainability performance of the developed processes;
• Prepare scientific publications, technical reports, and presentations;

Required qualifications

• PhD in chemical Engineering, biotechnology or related discipline.
• Proven experience in mineral characterization, liquid analysis and process development;
• Strong background in solution chemistry and bioprocessing;
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Strong scientific writing and communication abilities in English;
• Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative research environment.