Website Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Job description
Are you motivated to pursue a doctoral degree and embark on an inspiring career opportunity? As our PhD candidate, you will work to complete your doctoral degree while gaining valuable experience that lays the foundation for your future career in higher education and research (both inside and outside academia).
Your direct supervisor will be the Head of Department.
**Project Description**
The Department of Chemical Engineering is clearly committed to driving the green transition and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, providing academic research and research-based education that supports Norway’s development of energy-efficient and sustainable industrial technologies. Its mission is to become a global leader in sustainable wet metallurgical processing to extract key raw materials in a sustainable manner.
The green transition heavily relies on critical raw materials (such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, nickel, copper, etc.), which are used in modern equipment and food production (such as phosphates and ammonia). Mining and processing must be carried out in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner, which means developing new technologies for producing key raw materials. In addition, resource recovery and recycling from production waste and recycled materials to extract key raw materials are of great importance to promoting critical raw material supply chains and the circular economy, thus requiring the development of new and more optimized sustainable extraction knowledge.
This position will focus on the **electrochemical separation** of critical raw materials, including teaching and conducting research in collaboration with master’s students. The project focuses on membrane-based electrochemical separation technology to separate critical metals from hydrometallurgical processes. The project involves international collaboration. **Biohydrometallurgy** experience is highly valuable for this position. Experience with bioleaching, bio-sorption, and bio-precipitation of critical metals (such as rare earth elements, lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt) from secondary resources (low-grade ores, mining waste, urban mining) will be considered relevant.
**Job Responsibilities**
– Complete doctoral education until obtaining a PhD degree
– Conduct high-quality research within the above framework
– Academic publishing and science communication
– Participate in international activities, such as conferences and/or research stays at foreign educational institutions
– Engage in teaching activities
– Team collaboration, leadership, and supervision of bachelor’s and master’s students
Work responsibilities may be adjusted after appointment.
offer requirements
**Mandatory Selection Criteria**
– Hold a relevant master’s degree in chemical engineering or equivalent, with emphasis on hydrometallurgy. Preference is given to candidates with a focus on hydrometallurgy. The degree must correspond to Norway’s five-year curriculum, with the master’s level equivalent to at least 120 ECTS credits. Applicants who are in the final stages of their master’s may apply, but the master’s degree must be obtained and documented by May 1, 2026.
– Previous education must have a solid academic background, with a master’s grade average (or equivalent education) equivalent to grade B or better according to NTNU’s grading scale. If no letter grades are used, equivalent good academic basis must be demonstrated. If grades are weaker but the applicant can demonstrate particular suitability for doctoral education, this may also be considered.
– Meet the Faculty’s PhD program admission requirements (https://www.ntnu.edu/nv/phd).
– Good oral and written English proficiency is required.
**Preferred Selection Criteria**
– Experience in hydrometallurgy and biohydrometallurgy.
– Laboratory work experience and experience supervising bachelor’s students.
– Experience with and interest in circular chemical engineering, process system design, and value chain assessment.
– Industrial experience and academic projects (industrial or government projects) are prioritized.
**Personal Qualities**
To complete a PhD degree, the following are required:
– Ability to work independently
– Structured work approach, setting goals and making plans
– Presenting and discussing research with professionals
– Active participation and providing constructive feedback
– Constructive work under pressure or in adverse situations
– Strong curiosity about the subject and high motivation
– Analyzing data, evaluating different perspectives, and drawing sound conclusions
– Flexibility to adjust project plans when necessary
– Leadership qualities and curiosity to bring new ideas
– Ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams
Personal qualities will be strongly emphasized.
offer benefits
We offer:
– Inspiring work with an important societal mission
– Development tasks in a strong international professional environment
– Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period
– Open and inclusive working environment with enthusiastic colleagues
– Funding available for project implementation
– New employee mentor program
– Favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
– Free Norwegian language training (A2 level)
As an NTNU PhD candidate, you will enjoy employee benefits.