Postdoctoral fellow in separation processes for resource recovery - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Job description

The world is facing an increasing demand of the critical metals Nd, Pr, Dy, Sm and Co for use in the production of permanent magnets. The annual permanent magnet demand is expected to increase by about a factor 10 up to 2030. Major reasons are the ongoing electrification of the vehicle fleet, the increasing use of advanced electronic equipment, and the projected increase in wind turbines. At present, these critical metals are almost entirely imported from China, but a significant part could instead be sourced from recycled EoL magnets in Europe.

The project focuses on experimentally investigating and developing processes for separation and recovery of high purity fractions of critical metals from leach solutions by means of preparative column chromatography and crystallization. The project is part of the European collaboration project DysCovery, covering the entire permanent magnet recycling chain, and is financed by EIT raw materials. The postdoc will carry out the majority of the experimental and analytical work, under the supervision of Michael Svärd and Kerstin Forsberg, senior researchers with expertise in hydrometallurgical separation techniques. As a postdoctoral fellow you will become part of a larger dynamic, collaborative unit involving senior researchers, PhD students and other postdocs working in several related projects.

This position is a full-time position for one year with the possibility of extension for another year. The start date is open for discussion, but we would prefer to see the position filled as soon as possible.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Workplace at the main campus of KTH close to the city center of Stockholm and in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related subject. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline 
• Expertise in chemical engineering and separation processes, and experience of using this knowledge to develop industrial processes
• Strong academic credentials and scientific proficiency
• Strong laboratory/ instrumental skills
• Excellent proficiency in written and spoken English
• Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a particular focus on gender equality

Personal competency

We are looking for motivated individuals who can contribute with their own ideas and who can work both independently and as part of a group. In addition, you have a scientific, thorough and analytical approach to research, and possess a curiosity, a drive and the ability to maintain a well-organized work environment.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal competency

Trade union representatives

You will find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH's webbpage.

Application

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.