Research assistant (praedoc) (m/f/d) with 75%-part-time job limited to 42 months (salary grade)[...]

Overview

The Mineralogy-Petrology research group of Prof. Dr. Timm John at the Institute of Geological Sciences investigates fluidsolid interaction processes and the recovery of critical metals from primary and secondary resources. The group closely collaborates with other research groups at the Center for Sustainable Resources (CSR) at Freie Universität Berlin. Our joint project WSS-Resources aims at the development and conversion of sustainable resources using a novel ionic liquid, and we are seeking a research assistant to extend our interdisciplinary team to jointly explore new approaches to resource recovery. The topic area “Urban Mining” focuses on the recovery of metals from primary and secondary sources such as natural ore, mine waste, automotive catalysts, electronic waste, end-of-life electronic devices, and permanent magnets. Particular emphasis is placed on precious metals, such as the platinum-group and rare earth elements.

Responsibilities

Experimental identification of efficient digestion procedures in ionic liquids of rare earth element- and precious metal-bearing electronic components of end-of-life devices and waste materials. This includes, for example, small electrical appliances, consumer electronics as well as IT and telecommunications equipment. In addition to the dissolution of pure precious metal compounds, the influence of base metal components and synthetic materials will also be investigated. The goal is the development of efficient decomposition and dissolution procedures at the laboratory scale. The research activity serves as the candidate’s own scientific qualification (PhD) and includes the synthesis and publication of the results obtained in the project.

Requirements

Completed academic university degree (Master’s/Diploma) in mineralogy, geology or chemistry.

Desirable qualifications

• Degree in geology, mineralogy or chemistry completed with a grade of “very good” as well as very good academic performance in the field of analytical inorganic chemistry.
• Knowledge of decomposition/digestion procedures of complex materials such as rocks.
• Extensive experience with electron microscopy (e.g. SEM and EMPA), Raman spectroscopy (e.g. phase identification) and X-ray diffractometry (e.g. for crystal structure analysis).
• Sense of responsibility and experience in handling highly reactive substances in the laboratory (e.g. mineral acids and ionic liquids).
• Prior experience with interdisciplinary work.
• Very good command of spoken and written English and, in particular, experience in scientific writing.
• The candidate is highly motivated for independent scientific work, willing to familiarize themselves with new tasks, and possesses a strong sense of responsibility as well as the ability to work in a team.