PhD Student (f/m/d) Development of environmentally friendly flotation, NORM decontamination and faster pre-concentration using clean energy processes and hydrometallurgy

Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf HZDR (Forschungsstelle Leipzig)

01328 Dresden

Bewerbungsfrist: 2026-10-16

Your tasks

PhD Student position at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF), Department of Process Metallurgy, Freiberg

Development of environmentally friendly flotation strategies by designing and testing sustainable flotation processes for REE containing minerals in laboratory scale
Investigating mineral processing strategies for early-stage NORM decontamination and handling of polymetallic ores in close collaboration with the partners
Researching and developing high temperature pre-concentration methods for REE ores utilizing clean-energy based plasma techniques
Presentation of results at national and international conferences and project meetings
Follow-up with collaboration partners, thorough and robust scientific reporting, progress, and publications preparations for contributions in project REEHydroMin under BMFTR FONA EGA Roh cluster and beyond
Follow-up with a systematic PhD and credit collection plan and project milestone plan

Completed university studies (Master/Diploma) in the field of Chemistry, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering or related field
Understanding of flotation principles and other mineral processing methods in liberation and separation
Experience or knowledge in safe handling, preparation, and analysis of ore samples containing naturally occurring heavy elements
Familiarity with high-temperature redox processes and plasma technologies
Knowledge or experience on instrument-based chemical analysis for trace and major elements (such as XRF, XRD, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, SEM, MLA)
Knowledge or experience of hydrometallurgical processing is advantageous
Trained in safe experimental laboratory practices and sample preparation
Great teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate with international partners
Flexible, hardworking and multitasking with a good academic track record
Ability to combine multidisciplinary data into scientific conclusions
Excellent writing and spoken English (good German language skills would be an advantage)
Excellent ability in scientific writing and presentation in English

A vibrant research community in an open, diverse and international work environment
Scientific excellence and extensive professional networking opportunities
A structured PhD program with a comprehensive range of continuing education and networking opportunities - more information about the PhD program at the HZDR can be found here
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"