Doctoral student (licentiate) in Pyro- and Hydrometallurgical Processing Full-time

Doctoral Student (Licentiate) in Pyro- and Hydrometallurgical Processing

Third-cycle subject: engineering materials science

Green transition is increasingly dependent on critical and strategic metals, as well as other metals necessary for green energy production and storage. The project aims at investigating technology metals recovery from currently overlooked raw material sources, with the aim to improve the European competences and independency in critical raw materials refining. As most of the technology metals require hydrometallurgical unit processes in their refining an purification, the project focus on hydrometallurgical extraction of the target elements. The focus in the research is on underutilized raw materials such currently non refined primary resources (e.g. crust) as well as industrial side streams, dusts, slags, end-of-life products, and tailings.

Challenges related to new raw materials and fundamental reactions and behavior in refining processes are addressed using experimental methods, e.g. leaching, solid/liquid separation, and selective precipitation, however, also high-temperature processes can be explored when applicable e.g. to boost kinetics. In parallel, analysis of solutions (e.g. AAS, ICP) and solids (e.g. SEM-EDS, XRD) are carried out to identify mineralogy, chemistry as well as time dependent behavior.

You will work closely with researchers in Europe, particularly at Aalto University. The role includes material characterization, experimental laboratory work, and critical analysis of scientific literature and experimental data. Collaboration with research and industrial partners, as well as travel within Europe, is included.

Supervision: Björn Glaser is proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge
• master's degree in materials science or metallurgy.

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyze and work with complex issues.
• knowledge of material science and metallurgy
• experimental and computational skills.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.

As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's Doctoral student salary agreement . Read more about Doctoral studies (PhD) | KTH | Sweden.