Postdoctoral Researcher – Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Recycling

About the role

A research team is looking for a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in vanadium and rare-earth element (REE) recovery, thermodynamic modeling and materials characterization. The project develops sustainable, optimized processes for vanadium extraction and purification so that large-scale redox flow batteries can be deployed for energy storage. The expected start date is October 2025.

Key responsibilities

• Design and optimize extraction processes for vanadium from primary and secondary sources such as slags and industrial wastes.
• Develop purification pathways to produce battery-grade vanadium.
• Apply thermodynamic modeling tools (CALPHAD, FactSage) to simulate vanadium phase behavior and guide process improvements.
• Characterize vanadium-bearing materials with SEM, TEM, HAADF-STEM, XRD, EDS and LA-ICP-MS, and study impurity phase removal (Fe, P, Si, REEs).
• Evaluate environmental and economic performance through Life Cycle Assessment and techno-economic analysis.
• Contribute to a circular economy model for battery materials, prepare high-impact publications and help write collaborative proposals.
• Mentor graduate students and support lab coordination.

Required profile

• PhD in Materials Chemistry, Extractive Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering focused on resource recovery or battery materials.
• Research experience in metal recovery from slags or mineral concentrates, by experiment and computation.
• Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals and excellent written and spoken English.
• Ability to lead sub-projects, mentor students and work independently and collaboratively across disciplines.

Required skills

• Thermodynamic modeling with FactSage and CALPHAD, and complementary simulators such as Aspen Plus.
• Electron microscopy, spectroscopy and structural analysis methods.
• Familiarity with REE and vanadium chemistry, oxidation states and redox equilibria.