Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering (LTH) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Chemical Engineering focused on membranes and membrane processes for battery recycling, with emphasis on lithium recovery from spent batteries. The position is based within the Membrane Group, Sweden’s leading research center in membrane technology, located at Kemicentrum. The group offers access to MemLab, an advanced industrial membrane research and development facility enabling process development from laboratory to pilot scale.
The research project aims to develop an energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable process for lithium extraction using advanced membrane technologies. The approach integrates biodegradable oxalic acid leaching with membrane-based separation, including nanofiltration (NF), electrodialysis (ED), bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED), and membrane distillation (MD). The project is linked to the COMPEL platform and involves collaboration with industrial stakeholders and international partners.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Conducting high-quality research on membrane processes for lithium recovery.
- Reporting progress to project partners and funding agencies.
- Supervising degree students and supporting doctoral candidates.
- Contributing to teaching up to 20% of working hours.
- Actively applying for external funding and expanding collaborative networks.
- Participating in lab and pilot-scale experiments, research dissemination, and academic administration.
Required qualifications:
- PhD in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field with specialization in membrane processes.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Ability to conduct independent research and collaborate effectively with membrane scientists and industry partners.
Additional desired experience:
- Practical expertise in ED, BMED, MD, membrane fabrication, membrane spacer design, and Design of Experiments (DoE).
- Hands-on work with pilot-scale testing, RF measurement environments, or related laboratory platforms.
This is a full-time, three-year postdoctoral appointment, intended to support academic career progression and research independence. Expected start: 1 March 2026 or by agreement. Lund University provides generous benefits, strong innovation links, and a collaborative research environment.