This PhD position at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) focuses on metallurgical processes for battery recycling, specifically targeting lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The role is a collaborative effort between NTNU's Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Chalmers University of Technology (CTH) in Sweden, under the Nordic Five Tech (N5T) alliance. The project aims to develop innovative, sustainable processes for extracting and recycling valuable elements, such as lithium and other essential metals, from spent LIBs.

The research will address the lack of efficient lithium recycling methods and the current non-recycling of graphite from LIB anodes, with the goal of advancing the circular economy and enabling sustainable business model innovation in the battery sector. The candidate will join the Resources, Energy & Environment (IMA-REM) research group at NTNU and collaborate with the Nuclear Chemistry/Industrial Materials Recycling group at CTH.

The project involves both theoretical and practical work, including material flow analyses (MFA), life cycle analyses (LCA), and computational thermodynamics using commercial software. Key activities include documenting current and emerging recycling processes, developing laboratory-scale process steps for separation, pre-treatment, and extraction of lithium from anodes and cathodes, and evaluating pyrochemical and hydrochemical recycling routes. The candidate will also perform thermodynamic simulations to support experimental design and propose plans for industrializing the developed recycling value chain.

The position requires spending time at both NTNU and CTH, mentoring MSc and BSc students, and participating in conferences and workshops. Applicants must have a relevant background in materials science, chemical engineering, or related fields, with a strong academic record and proficiency in English. Preferred qualifications include experience in unit operations, pyro- and hydrometallurgy, metal quantification, thermodynamics, and data analysis.

The position offers a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800, membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and access to employee benefits. The employment period is three years, with a possible one-year extension for teaching duties. The application process requires submission of academic transcripts, diplomas, a master's thesis, references, and other supporting documents via Jobbnorge.no by the deadline.

The project is based in Trondheim, Norway, with opportunities to work in Gothenburg, Sweden, and offers a dynamic, inclusive, and international research environment committed to diversity and sustainability.