PhD Student in Hydrometallurgy – Refining in LIBs recycling

Organisation/Company

Luleå University of Technology

Research Field

Engineering » Process engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Sweden

Application Deadline

28 Jun 2023 - 22:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Other

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

583--1-7051

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

Would you like to contribute to the ongoing green transition? As part of the Green Transition North project, we are looking for a PhD student who would help to develop new methods for and influence the future of waste management. You will be part of a strategic investment where we work together to go from words to action in the green transition.

Process Metallurgy that covers pyro and hydrometallurgical research is a part of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, which is an institution with many successful research groups and recognised training programs. We are recruiting a PhD student that will conduct research on refining of metals in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) recycling in collaboration with senior researcher.

The research subject Process Metallurgy at LTU carries out research and education within the areas of base metals metallurgy, hydrometallurgy, iron and steelmaking and recycling of minerals and metals. The division has access to well-equipped laboratories for experimental trials in hydro- and pyrometallurgy, materials characterization, and thermodynamic modelling.

Subject description.
Process Metallurgy is concerned with the sustainable extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials using both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes.

Project description.
In this project, the aim is to develop new knowledge linked to LIBs recycling through theoretical and experimental studies selected purification and separation steps. Aspects related to the environment and economy in recovering battery metals and handling of residues shall also be considered. The project will be based on experimental studies in a lab, characterization of materials theoretical calculations using thermodynamic modelling, and mapping of materials and methods via literature and communication with experienced engineers and researchers in the industry and at research organizations.

The work is carried out as part of the Green Transition North project, which aims to promote sustainable change in northern Sweden. The project takes place in close cooperation between researchers and industry and small and medium sized enterprises. The main funder is the European Regional Development Fund.

Duties
The work will be based on experimental studies such as leaching tests and at high temperatures in a lab, thermodynamic modelling and characterization of materials using e.g., XRD, SEM, LOM, etc. A PhD position includes training in scientific work by publishing the work in scientific papers in journals and at conferences. Additionally, you get the opportunity to function as a teacher.

The PhD position is for 4 years on 100% and follows an individual study plan. The research work will be conducted mainly at Luleå University of Technology in Luleå, but some tasks may also be conducted at the industrial partner.

Qualifications
The candidate is required to have a master’s thesis degree in Sustainable Process Engineering specializing in minerals and metallurgical engineering, process metallurgy, chemical engineering, materials engineering, chemistry or equivalent. Knowledge of metallurgical and mineral processing methods, experience with experimental work at high temperatures but also from work with acids and basis, characterization of materials using a.o. XRD, SEM, leaching tests and thermodynamic modelling is of advantage for the PhD position. As the project will be carried out in close collaboration with partners from institutes and industry practical limitations must be considered and the ability to collaborate in a larger group is essential. The candidate shall have good knowledge in English language.

* General curricula for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: According to agreement.

For further information please contact Professor Lena Sundqvist Öqvist, tel. 0920-492045, Division of Minerals and Metallurgical Engineering, Luleå University of Technology. E-mail: lensun @ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se  
OFR-S Lars Frisk, 0920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Reference number: 2518 - 2023
Last day of application: 29 june, 2023

Research Field

Engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Research Field

Engineering » Process engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Luleå University of Technology

Country

Sweden

City

Luleå

Postal Code

97187

Street

Luleå university of technology

Website

https://www.ltu.se/ltu/Lediga-jobb?l=en&rmpage=job&rmjob=7051

City

Luleå

Street

Luleå university of technology

Postal Code

97187