Experienced Electrometallurgist

(ref. BAP-2022-827)

Laatst aangepast : 22/11/2022

SOLVOMET ISC is KU Leuven’s Industrial Service Centre for Circular Hydrometallurgy, which supports mining, metallurgical & recycling companies in the development of more sustainable (circular, low-energy input) hydrometallurgical processes. SOLVOMET ISC is associated to SOLVOMET, an internationally renowned research group in the domain of circular hydrometallurgy, led by Prof. Koen Binnemans. SOLVOMET is part of the KU Leuven Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals (SIM² KU Leuven).

Responsibilities

• To design and develop innovative electro-metallurgical processes in collaboration with our industrial partners in both bilateral contract research projects and applied European research projects (Research Innovation Actions & Innovation Actions, RIA/IA). As such you will improve the SOLVOMET Group’s in-depth knowledge and practical development skills of sustainable electrowinning and electrorefining processes;  
• To intensively collaborate with key industry partners (including paying regular on-site visits of metallurgical plants). You will be performing high-impact research and development activities in collaboration with Belgian, European and global mining and metallurgical companies (in the context of the SOLVOMET Industrial Service Centre); 
• To perform high-quality scientific reporting and dissemination of the scientific and technological results. This task includes preparing interim and technical reports, contributing to patent applications for new inventions, and (in some projects) publishing high-impact scientific papers. Furthermore, you will present results during network-wide events in European RIA/IA projects; 
• To provide science-deep input with respect to electrometallurgical processes during the development, writing and implementation of new bilateral & EU project proposals, in collaboration with the KU Leuven IRF Research Manager on “Sustainable Metallurgy” and other research managers/experts in the SOLVOMET Group. 

Profile

• A PhD in Electrochemistry, or in Metallurgical/Electrochemical Engineering;  
• Hands-on experience in carrying out experiments in electrochemistry or electrometallurgy; 

• Experience with hydrometallurgical flowsheet development, with a specific focus on electrowinning and electrorefining of metals (copper in particular);  
• Good track record of publications in high-quality peer-reviewed international journals;  
• Strong problem-solving ability of technical and complex issues related to electrometallurgy;  
• Practical experience in conducting applied research projects with industry partners and/or public-funded, high-TRL projects in collaboration with companies;  

• Be willing to regularly visit companies to discuss industrial flowsheet improvements and/or adaptations;  
• Experienced or willing to provide science-deep technical input in the development of new bilateral contract research projects and applied European RIA/IA projects;  
• Be able to communicate complex results in a clear and precise manner with excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills;  
• Willing to travel abroad for conferences, workshops, network-wide events and other project meetings;  
• Have a positive “can do” spirit, be stress resistant, and have a strong sense of honesty and responsibility;  
• Fluent in English (mandatory). 

Offer

We offer a 2-year postdoc position at SOLVOMET KU Leuven, with the potential to transform this position into a long-term OZK Research Expert position (Permanent Staff member).

More information
Interested?

For more information please contact Mrs. Clio Deferm, tel.: +32 16 32 64 57, mail: [email protected].

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