PhD Student / Scientific Assistant (f/m/d) Recycling of Rare Earth Elements from Permanent Magnets

Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf HZDR (Forschungsstelle Leipzig)

01328 Dresden

Bewerbungsfrist: 2026-09-30

Overview

PhD Student / Scientific Assistant (f/m/d) Recycling of Rare Earth Elements from Permanent Magnets at the Institute of Fluid Dynamics, Department of Process Diagnostics, subject to project approval.

Development of a process for the recycling of rare earth elements from permanent magnets
Recovery of Dy and Nd from molten salts at 500 °C
Design, construction, and operation of the electrolysis cell
Analysis, interpretation, and documentation of experimental results
Publication and presentation of research findings at project meetings and scientific conferences

Completed university studies (Master/Diploma) in the field of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Process Engineering, or Physics)
Enthusiasm for experimental work is desirable
Willingness to work with high-temperature molten salts
Knowledge of electrochemistry is desirable
Ability to work independently in a structured and solution-oriented manner
Motivation to work in a multidisciplinary and international research environment
Excellent written and spoken English skills desirable

A vibrant research community in an open, diverse and international work environment
Scientific excellence and extensive professional networking opportunities
Salary and social benefits in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD-Bund) including 30 days of paid holiday leave, company pension scheme (VBL)
Depending on the personal qualifications, the candidate may be classified in salary group 13 according to TVöD-Bund
We support a good work-life balance with the possibility of part-time employment, mobile working and flexible working hours
Numerous company health management offerings
Employee discounts with well-known providers via the platform Corporate Benefits
An employer subsidy for the "Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket"

We look forward to receiving your application documents (including cover letter, CV, diplomas/transcripts, etc.), which you can submit via our online-application-system.
Deadline: 30 September 2026