Join the Materials Production, Refining and Recycling (MPRR) group in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at TU Delft and contribute to advancing battery circularity by optimizing the recovery of critical raw materials in the hydrometallurgical recycling of Li-ion batteries.
In this research, you will:
- Investigate purification and separation methods to understand mechanisms for impurity removal (e.g., Cu, Al, Fe) and for better recovery of Co, Ni, and Mn.
- Identify and optimize key process parameters for black mass treatment in close collaboration with industry partners.
Batteries are essential for decarbonizing transport and enabling renewable energy storage, yet their widespread use presents a growing waste-management challenge. Recycling spent batteries is key to recovering valuable materials and improving the sustainability of the battery value chain. Hydrometallurgical recycling is particularly suitable to handle the complex and variable composition of industrial Li-ion waste streams. However, it must become more efficient and sustainable, while achieving higher purity and recovery rates to meet EU regulatory targets.
This project is part of the CRM Lion project, which is part of the national program for Material Independence & Circular Batteries, supporting the development of Li-ion battery recycling industry in the Netherlands.
Job requirementsWe are looking for a proactive, self-motivated candidate with a strong background in experimental research. Candidates should meet the following requirements:
- Has obtained (or is about to defend) a PhD in chemistry, materials science, physical chemistry, physics, or a related field.
- Is a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher Lab experience and skills in materials characterization and analytical chemistry. Prior experience in Li-ion battery recycling is advantageous.
- Strong communication skills in English, including proficiency in scientific writing (reports, papers) and technical presentations.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and willingness to collaborate with academic and industrial partners.
- Is available to start as soon as possible.
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 Mechanical EngineeringFrom chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focuses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.
ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It's a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME's outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well?'being.
here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.
The expected starting period is early 2026
Application procedure- A cover (motivation) letter
- A detailed CV
- A copy or link to your PhD thesis or selected papers
- Contact details of 2-3 references
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Het salaris bedraagt €3546 - €5538