Amir Sheikhi

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.

Postdoctoral opening at Penn State University in the Bio-Soft Materials Laboratory (B-SMaL) with Professor Amir Sheikhi . The position focuses on critical mineral recovery and separation technologies for sustainable extraction of rare earth elements and other critical materials from mine tailings , e-waste , industrial wastewater , and other unconventional resources. The research is centered on developing innovative sorbents , membranes , and nanoengineered materials for selective ion separation, adsorption, and process development. Relevant study areas include chemical engineering , materials science , environmental science , and chemistry , with strong connections to hydrometallurgy, mineral processing, nanomaterials, and surface engineering. Ideal candidates should have experience in ion separation and adsorption, sorbent design, membrane science, hydrometallurgy, nanomaterials, or scale-up. Hands-on familiarity with characterization and analytical tools such as ICP-MS/OES, XPS, XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, Raman, BET, DLS, zeta-potential, adsorption studies, and membrane testing is highly desirable. This is a postdoctoral research opening ; the post does not specify deadline or funding details. Interested applicants should use the provided application link and review the linked Workday posting for full application instructions.