PhD Stipend in Membrane-based crystallization technologies for Magnesium and Lithium recovery from desalination brine

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a PhD stipend is available within the general study programme Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering. The PhD stipend is open for appointment from 1 June 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for 3 years. The Department consists of two sections with research and teaching in Biotechnology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Technology and Biology. Place of employment of the position is Section for Chemical Science and Engineering in Aalborg. The Section of Chemical Science and Engineering consists of 80 people of which about 20 is assistant, associate- and full professors. The section conducts internationally competitive research within a range of topics within Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and publishes more than 80 peer reviewed publications annually. The section is responsible for the educations in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and is located at both campus Aalborg and campus Esbjerg. The workplace is Aalborg.

Job description

A PhD stipend is available within the topic of membrane-based resource recovery from desalination brine under the supervision of Associate Professor Cejna Anna Quist-Jensen and Assistant Professor Aamer Ali. The PhD project is a part of the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN), EXBRINER (http://exbriner.unical.it). The EXBRINER project aims to develop a new technological and interdisciplinary platform for the valorization of hypersaline brines produced by desalination plants through photothermal membrane crystallization. The project involves eight European universities including Aalborg University, three research centers, and four industrial partners, with mandatory secondments in two academic centers and one industrial center for each recruited MSCA fellow.

The PhD project at Aalborg University will cover 1) photothermal Membrane Crystallization for the recovery of MgSO4·7H2O from NF brine under solar radiation; 2) Integrating Donnan Dialysis and reactive crystallization to produce: i) Mg(OH)₂ from NF retentate; ii) Li₂CO₃ salt from Vacuum Membrane Distillation brine.

During the project, the successful candidate is expected to carry out three mobilities (2 months for each mobility) at:

1. Katholieke Universiteit, Department of Chemical Engineering, Belgium (Academic mobility)
2. Institute on Membrane Technology, National research council, Italy (Academic mobility)
3. FCC Aqualia S.A., Spain (Industrial mobility)

Requirements:

• A master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field.
• The applicant should not have resided or performed their main activity (work, studies etc.) in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 3-year period immediately prior to the start date of the PhD research.
• The applicant should be in their early research careers and not yet have been awarded a doctorate degree.
• Excellent oral and written English language skills.
• Experience with membrane technology, preferable in membrane distillation or membrane crystallization.
• Experience in resource recovery, desalination, or thermodynamic modeling is an advantage.
• The applicant must be interested in working in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Good collaboration skills, team spirit and the ability to work independently.

The application must contain the following:

• Cover letter of 1-2 pages describing the motivation for applying and an account of the applicant’s background in relation to the announced position including the motivation to carry out research abroad.
• A current curriculum vitae (it should as a minimum include contact information, educational background, research experience, scientific achievements)
• Diploma and transcripts of records
• Concise recognition on the state-of-the-art (3,000-4,000 characters), in English, on the topic addressed by the above describe PhD project.
• Max two Reference Letters, in English, printed on letterhead and duly signed;
• Other relevant information

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. We value diversity and see it as a strength.

You may obtain further information about the scientific aspects of the project from Assistant Professor Aamer Ali, aa@bio.aau.dk.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Vigdis Skomager-Bohnfeldt, The Doctoral School at The Faculty of Engineering and Science, email: vkns@adm.aau.dk,  phone: +45 9940 7408.

For more information of The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science: www.phd.engineering.aau.dk 

The application is only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Agreement

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 15 December 2021 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities. The successful candidate will receive a salary in accordance with the national legislation of the recruiting institution and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions regulations for ESRs. Exact salary will be confirmed upon appointment.

Vacancy number

18-23016

Deadline

02/04/2023

Online ansøgning - gode råd