The Mineralogy-Petrology research group of Prof. Dr. Timm John at the Institute of Geological Sciences investigates fluidsolid interaction processes and the recovery of critical metals from primary and secondary resources. The group closely collaborates with other research groups at the Center for Sustainable Resources (CSR|Berlin, https://www.csrberlin.de) at Freie Universität Berlin and beyond. Our joint project WSS-Resources, which aims at the development and conversion of sustainable resources using a novel ionic liquid, is seeking for a research assistant to extend our interdisciplinary team to jointly explore new approaches to resource recovery. The topic area “Urban Mining” focuses on the recovery of metals from primary and secondary sources such as natural ore, mine waste, as well as automotive catalysts, electronic waste, end-of-life electronic devices, and permanent magnets. Particular emphasis is placed on precious metals, such as the platinum-group and rare earth elements.

Job description:
Development and optimization of extraction and separation procedures for dissolved rare earth elements and precious metals from ionic liquids in order to enable the recovery of raw materials from primary and secondary resources – such as ores, mine waste, automotive catalysts, end-of-life electronic equipment and permanent magnets. To separate the target metals from the complex organic solutions, column-separation and electrochemical procedures, among others, will be investigated, applied, and further developed. The goal is to establish efficient extraction and separation processes at the laboratory scale. The position also includes the preparation, synthesis, and publication of the scientific results obtained in the project.

Requirements:
Completed academic university degree (Master’s/Diploma) in mineralogy, geology or chemistry. Doctorate (PhD) in mineralogy, geology or chemistry.

Desirable:
- Doctorate completed with a grade of “very good” in geology, mineralogy or chemistry with a focus on analytical inorganic chemistry.

- Knowledge of decomposition/digestion procedures for complex materials such as rocks.

- Knowledge of element separation techniques from complex solutions, e.g. using column chemistry or electrochemical methods.

- Sense of responsibility and experience in handling highly reactive substances in the laboratory (e.g. mineral acids and ionic liquids).

- Extensive experience in analytical chemistry, e.g. independent use of ICP-MS and ICP-OES as well as development of appropriate analytical protocols.

- Experience with interdisciplinary work.

- Very good command of spoken and written English and, in particular, experience in scientific writing.

- The candidate is highly motivated for independent scientific work, willing to familiarize themselves with new tasks, and possesses a strong sense of responsibility as well as the ability to work in a team.