PhD Position: Optimizing Hydrometallurgical Recovery of Critical Raw Materials from Li-ion Battery Black Mass Delft University of Technology in Netherlands

Join the Materials Production, Refining and Recycling (MPRR) group in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and contribute to the advancement of battery circularity. This PhD position focuses on optimizing the recovery of critical raw materials (CRMs) from Li-ion battery black mass using hydrometallurgical recycling methods. The project is part of the CRM Lion initiative, supporting the development of a sustainable Li-ion battery recycling industry in the Netherlands.

As a PhD researcher, you will investigate purification and separation methods to understand impurity removal mechanisms (such as Cu, Al, Fe) and improve the recovery of valuable metals like Co, Ni, and Mn. You will identify and optimize key process parameters for black mass treatment in close collaboration with industry partners, and evaluate the performance of recycled materials in new battery cells. Your research will contribute to developing recycling routes that use fewer chemicals, reduce waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional processes.

Batteries are essential for decarbonizing transport and enabling renewable energy storage, but their widespread use presents significant waste-management challenges. Efficient recycling of spent batteries is crucial for recovering valuable materials and improving the sustainability of the battery value chain. Hydrometallurgical recycling is particularly suitable for handling the complex and variable composition of industrial Li-ion waste streams, but it must become more efficient and sustainable to meet EU regulatory targets for purity and recovery rates.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year employment period, starting with a 1.5-year contract and a progress assessment, followed by a 2.5-year contract upon satisfactory performance. The position offers a competitive salary (from €3059 to €3881 gross per month), 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, discounts on health insurance, a monthly work costs contribution, and flexible work schedules. You will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School, which provides an inspiring research environment, excellent supervision, and a comprehensive Doctoral Education Programme.

Applicants should have an MSc degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, or a closely related field, with a solid understanding of chemical reactions and thermodynamics. Practical experience in recycling, hydrometallurgy, and electrochemistry is advantageous. Strong English communication skills, including scientific writing and presentations, are required. The ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with academic and industry partners is essential.

The expected starting period is early 2026. For more information, contact Dr. Shoshan Abrahami at [email protected]. Apply online by 1 December 2025, submitting a cover letter, detailed CV, abstract of your MSc thesis in English, and contact details of 2-3 references. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed. TU Delft is committed to supporting international candidates with relocation services and a dual career programme for accompanying partners.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to pioneering research in sustainable battery recycling, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant international research community at TU Delft.