Researcher on Lithium refining via Salt-assisted crystallization (LiSa)

• • Vacancies • Researcher on Lithium refining via Salt-assisted crystallization (LiSa)To vacancy overviewApply now • • • • • TNWResearcherResearcher on Lithium refining via Salt-assisted crystallization (LiSa)We have a Postmaster/Postdoctoral Researcher position available in the rapidly evolving field of sustainable lithium refining and battery recycling.Apply now • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Pieter Tuchter • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Marcel Karperien • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Sonia García Blanco • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Srirang Manohar • • • • Key takeaways • Hours 38 - 40 hr. • Salary indicationSalary gross/monthly based on full-time € 3,546 - € 5,538 • Deadline 30 Aug 2026 This position is part of the LiSa (Lithium refining via Salt-assisted crystallization) project, a collaborative initiative involving Nobian, Back-to-Battery, Demcon, ISPT, and the University of Twente (LiSa – Lithium refining via Salt-Assisted Crystallization – ISPT). The LiSa project aims to develop an innovative low-carbon process for producing battery-grade lithium hydroxide from recycled lithium chloride brines through continuous crystallization and electrochemical integration. The goal of the subproject is to develop a predictive process model for the lithium refining process and support the experimental development of the continuous crystallization process. The researcher will combine thermodynamic modelling, process simulation, and crystallization engineering to enable process optimization and scale-up. The tasks include: • Development of thermodynamic models for multicomponent lithium salt systems • Modelling and simulation of the integrated crystallization and electrolysis process • Experimental support for continuous crystallization process development and validation • Investigation of impurity behaviour and its impact on crystallization and product purity • Process optimization and scale-up studies based on experimental and modelling results • Close collaboration with industrial partners to validate models and define feedstock specifications for recycled lithium brines • Dissemination of results through scientific publications and presentations Your profile • You have a Master or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering with a solid background in process simulation and/or chemical thermodynamics, ideally experience in the field of crystallization • You have experience with modelling and simulation of chemical processes, ideally with the tool Aspen Custom Modeler, or equivalent • You have a high degree of responsibility and independence, while being able to collaborate with colleagues, researchers, and other staff members • You are fluent in English Our offer • A full-time position for 2 years, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home • Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU) • You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.546,- to € 5.538,- (depending on your education and/or work experience) • There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme • A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis. • Free access to sports facilities on campus • A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid) • Excellent career support and courses for your professional and personal development. Information and application Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 30-08-2026, and include: • A motivation letter (max. 1/2 page) • a CV • a list of publications (if applicable). Apply nowShare this vacancy • • • • About the department The Sustainable Process Technology (SPT) group is part of the Chemical Engineering Department of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Twente. We conduct experimental and theoretical research in the areas of biomass conversion, affinity separations, plastic recycling, and CO2 capture and conversion. We combine our expertise in different disciplines (process design, chemistry, catalysis, modelling, and engineering) to contribute to the development of sustainable chemical processes. About the organisation The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute. Want to know more?Franke, M.B. (Meik) Full ProfessorFranke, M.B. (Meik) Full ProfessorDo you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Meik for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.ContactPhone:+31534893188Email:m.b.franke@utwente.nl How to applyStep 1Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.Apply nowStep 2Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.Step 31st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.Step 42nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.Step 5The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening. Your Colleagues • Steenbergen, W. (Wiendelt)Personal page • Pizzoccaro - Zilamy, M.D. (Marie-Alix)Personal page • Vargas Llona, L.D. (Laura)Personal page About the TNW FacultyCurious about what the Faculty of Science and Technology (TNW) stands for? Check out the Science and Technology website for more information.Go to the TNW websiteA job that mattersCreate new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. Scientist or teacher, administrator or facilitator, thinker or doer, energetic leader or silent support – your work at the University of Twente matters. And you too!Stories from UT"ers • • • Our mission Human TouchAt the University of Twente, technology is all about people. We call this High Tech, Human Touch. This same belief is reflected in the way the Human Resources department operates. We believe that a strong organization starts with people who are given the space to grow, take initiative, and make a difference. That is why we are building a working environment in which everyone can thrive. • Our mission We are a university of technologyOur university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world. • Our mission We help to strengthen societyWe help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life. • Our mission We are sustainableWe want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.” Browse all jobs