Exciting postdoctoral opportunity to develop innovative solutions for meeting the growing demand for critical raw materials from unconventional sources.
Job description
The global demand for Critical Raw Materials (CRMs), such as rare earth elements, cobalt, and lithium, is rapidly increasing due to their essential role in green technologies, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. However, conventional CRM sources are often concentrated in a limited number of geographic regions, creating significant vulnerabilities in global supply chains. Such dependencies increase vulnerability to price fluctuations and pose risks to the long-term sustainability of resource supply.
To address these challenges, there is a pressing need to explore unconventional CRM sources, including urban mining of electronic waste, extraction from industrial residues (e.g., construction and demolition waste, or CDW), and re-mining of extractive waste. Despite their potential, these alternative sources face several barriers, such as low metal concentrations, technological limitations in extraction and separation, insufficient economic incentives, and regulatory uncertainty.
This project aims to investigate the viability, efficiency, and environmental impact of sourcing CRMs from unconventional sources. It will focus on identifying innovative characterization and extraction technologies, conducting pre-feasibility assessments to evaluate economic viability, and analyzing sustainability trade-offs. The ultimate goal is to support the diversification and resilience of CRM supply chains in line with circular economy principles and global sustainability objectives.
Job requirements
- Demonstrated experience in sensor-based material characterization
- Strong knowledge of advanced data analytics and interpretation
- Familiarity with metal extraction and recovery techniques
- Working proficiency in English and strong communication skills in, with the ability to effectively convey technical findings to both academic and non-academic audiences
- Proficiency in programming languages, such as Python
- A keen interest in interdisciplinary research and innovation
- Excellent social and teamwork skills
- Working proficiency in English, as you'll be part of an internationally diverse community and engage with global partners
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.
to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 1 year.
- A job of 36-38 hours per week.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. .
Additional information
www.tudelft.nl/en/campusthehague/research/cass
Application procedure
27 August 2025
via the application button and upload the following documents:
- A detailed curriculum vitae.
- A motivation letter addressing your interests and describing your fit with this position (max. 2 pages).
- Contact details of two persons who can provide references.
- Proof of English language level. If your mother language is not English and you do not hold a degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction you must submit proof of English proficiency from either TOEFL (minimum total score of 1
Het salaris bedraagt €3378 - €5331