Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainable Critical Mineral Recovery, Rare Earth Elements, and Precious Metals Penn State University in United States

Postdoctoral researcher opening at Penn State University with Amir Sheikhi for work on sustainable critical mineral recovery, including selective recovery of rare earth elements and precious metals.

The project sits at the intersection of chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, and sustainability. Research themes include hydrometallurgical processes such as leaching, speciation control, and process integration; sorbent-based separations using functionalized biopolymers, polymeric adsorbents, and hybrid materials; advanced characterization and modeling of ion-material interactions; and column/flow-through systems with scale-up strategies for real-world feed streams.

Preferred experience includes hydrometallurgy and aqueous-phase metal recovery, adsorption, ion exchange, or solvent extraction systems, batch and column breakthrough experiments, multi-ion selectivity, complex feed streams, and materials synthesis/surface functionalization with polymers and nanomaterials.

This is a postdoctoral position, not a scholarship. The post emphasizes translation and commercialization, suggesting a strong applied research environment with potential impact on critical mineral supply chains.

To apply, message Amir Sheikhi on LinkedIn and include your CV and expertise. No formal deadline is stated in the post.