PhD student (f_m_x) Chemical Engineering: Extraction of Critical Raw Materials from Geothermal Fluids

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,500 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.

For section 4.8 Geoenergy (department “Geosystems”), we are looking for a:

PhD student (f_m_x) Chemical Engineering (Reference Number 9339)

Extraction of Critical Raw Materials from Geothermal Fluids

The EU-funded project CRM‑geothermal investigates the combined extraction of mineral raw materials and geothermal energy. Within the project, we are developing methods for the selective extraction of elements from geothermal fluids that are considered critical raw materials and are of crucial importance for the energy transition (e.g. lithium). In this context, we offer a PhD position for a motivated graduate in the section Geoenergy 4.8 in the fields of Process and Plant Technologies and Geothermal Fluids. The focus of the work is on the development of extraction processes in the laboratory, as well as the design, testing and modification of an experimental plant for the extraction of critical raw materials from geothermal fluids.

Your responsibilities:

• Realisation of laboratory experiments to develop and optimise extraction technologies
• Evaluation and adaption of experimental work to determine suitable technical conditions for extraction
• Development of a numerical model of the extraction process, including the coupling to thermal and fluid‑mechanical processes in order to capture the dynamic behaviour of these extraction processes
• Design, testing and modification of a “Miniplant”, which combines the processes that have been tested in the laboratory in a single process flow
• Publication of research results in international journals and at conferences
• Cooperation with national and international partners

Your qualifications:

• University degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in physics, geotechnics, engineering, chemistry or a comparable field of study
• Interest in experimental work, process engineering and process technology
• High motivation to familiarise yourself with new topics and to combine methods and insights from different disciplines
• Initial experience in laboratory work
• Basic knowledge of scripting languages (Python, Matlab) and numerical tools is an advantage, but not a prerequisite
• Ability to work in a goal-oriented and structured manner
• Strong teamwork and communication skills for working in an interdisciplinary environment
• Expandable knowledge of English (language courses are offered at the GFZ)

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: As soon as possible

Fixed term: 3 years

Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.

Working hours: Part-time 75 % (currently 29.25 h/week)

Place of work: Potsdam

APPLY

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 5th May 2024. Please use our online application form only.

Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. Anyone who has been recognized as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any questions, please contact our representative for the severely disabled at sbv[at]gfz-potsdam.de, who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz-potsdam.de.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Stefan Kranz either via email at stefan.kranz@gfz-potsdam.de or phone +49 331 6264‑1565. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 331 6264-28787.