PhD Student in Sustainable Flotation and Hydrometallurgy
Develop environmentally friendly mineral processing and decontamination technologies for a circular economy.
Best for:Best for candidates with a background in chemistry, metallurgy, or chemical engineering and an interest in sustainable mineral processing.
Overview
The Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF) is seeking a PhD student to join the Department of Process Metallurgy. This research role focuses on developing sustainable flotation strategies, NORM decontamination, and high-temperature pre-concentration methods for rare earth element (REE) ores. The successful candidate will work within an international, multidisciplinary team to advance circular economy technologies. The position involves laboratory-scale experimentation, collaboration with industrial partners, and the dissemination of findings through scientific publications and conferences.
What you'll do
- Design and test sustainable flotation processes for REE-containing minerals at the laboratory scale.
- Investigate mineral processing strategies for early-stage NORM decontamination and polymetallic ore handling.
- Develop high-temperature pre-concentration methods for REE ores using clean-energy plasma techniques.
- Present research findings at national and international conferences and project meetings.
- Prepare scientific reports and publications for the REEHydroMin project and related initiatives.
- Maintain a systematic PhD progress plan and adhere to project milestones.
Requirements
Degree required: Master or Diploma in Chemistry, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Excellent written and spoken English.
Instruction: English
- Understanding of flotation principles and mineral processing methods.
- Experience in safe handling and analysis of ore samples containing heavy elements.
- Familiarity with high-temperature redox processes and plasma technologies.
- Proficiency in chemical analysis techniques such as XRF, XRD, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, SEM, or MLA.
- Trained in safe experimental laboratory practices.
- Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills in English.
- Must hold a completed Master or Diploma degree in a relevant field.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-16
Applications must be submitted via the online application system. Please include a cover letter, CV, and relevant diplomas or transcripts.
- Cover letter
- CV
- Diplomas
- Transcripts
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.