Job description
The challenge:
Extracting Rare Earth Elements (REEs) containing particles from mining ores requires innovative and effective beneficiation technologies capable of treating variable ores of different REE mineralogy to obtain >50-70% gangue removal, preventing gangue from entering the downstream processes, and therefore significantly reducing the cost of energy and reagents. Technologies applying magnetic liquids and innovative optical sorting techniques based on interactions of specially designed liquids, high-intensity magnets, and solid particles can effectively and selectively separate REE-bearing minerals from the gangue materials.
The Horizon Europe project SUPREEMO involves 11 partners with researchers from universities, research centers, and industries, working closely together to reach a common goal: to establish the first pre-commercial Rare Earth Elements production value chain using European primary resources as feedstock, developing sustainable, cost-competitive processing, refining, and Rare Earth Elements for Permanent Magnet production technologies in a responsible way complying with local and international safety regulations.
The position:
The project offers the opportunity for a postdoc in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or equivalent to join our team and work with other researchers involved in the SUPREEMO project. The postdoc will focus on designing the interactions between fluids, high-intensity magnetic fields, and particles, with the goal of developing innovative sorting equipment, including its construction and testing. The research involves design, experiments, and modelling. The experiment and modelling include physical processes such as particle-fluid dynamics in a magnetic field and the separation of material streams in a system of multiple equipment. This research builds on our group's preceding successful Ph.D. And Post Doc research and will form a critical step to achieving industrial adaptation.
The host:
The position will be hosted at the Section of Resources and Recycling in the Department of Engineering Structures. Resources and Recycling is a research group with strong links to the minerals processing and recycling industries. The group's ambition is to create breakthroughs by applying fundamental science to innovative processes and implementing them in collaboration with the industry. The ongoing research projects combine theoretical insights and modelling with experiments in the group's laboratory and pilot plants. The section has a reputation for moving innovative physics into industrial reality, resulting in six spin-out companies to date.
The Department of Engineering Structures focuses on the development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures. Our aim is to meet societal demands in transportation, the energy transition and sustainable reuse. Research themes include dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to e.g. Climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi-scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. Our unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory facilities support full-scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations. The department delivers both groundbreaking research and world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. As a team, we represent different backgrounds, skills and views. We foster an inclusive culture, as our combined identities, attitudes and ambitions widen our perspective and make up our strengths.
Job requirements
Resources and Recycling group seeks an enthusiastic postdoc with a background in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or equivalent. The research involves building a large set-up and performing experiments at high TRL in the lab. You are interested in the specific fields of engineering and physics to be studied and willing to work with an international and multidisciplinary team. You have an excellent comprehension of English, both spoken and written. Candidates should have an affinity for innovation. Knowledge of process technology and the leading 3D CAD modelling platforms (e.g., SolidWorks or Inventor 3D software) to design detailed mechanical systems is an advantage.
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 2 years.
- A job of 36-40 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 is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. .
Additional information
Application procedure
31 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);
- MSc + PhD degree;
- English abstract of your MSc and PhD thesis;
- Two selected publications;
- 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 100) or IELTS (minimum total score of 7.0). Proof of English language proficiency certificates older than two years are not accepted.
If your MSc and PhD diploma are not in Dutch, English, French or German and you will be the selected candidate, then TU Delft will ask you to deliver a certified translation.
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