Research Expert in the field of Instrumental Anal. Methods in Hydrometallury

Group Science and Technology, Department Chemistry, group SOLVOMET is looking for a Research Expert in the fields of metallurgical and analytical chemistry, on both a fundamental and applied level.

The SOLVOMET Group (Department of Chemistry, Group W&T) is an internationally renowned research group in the domain of metallurgical chemistry and circular hydrometallurgy (https://chem.kuleuven.be/solvomet). The SOLVOMET Group, which is coordinated by Prof. Koen Binnemans, is part of the KU Leuven Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals (SIM² KU Leuven). Through our SOLVOMET Research and Innovation Centre (https://solvomet.eu/) we support our industrial partners (mining and metallurgical sector) in the development of more sustainable, circular hydrometallurgical processes, using in-house state-of-the-art lab-scale and (mini)-pilot-scale experimental facilities. For the further development of the competences of the SOLVOMET Group and Research and Innovation Centre, we are looking for a Research Expert to provide expertise on the application of instrumental methods in the elemental and structural analysis of metal-containing solutions, as well as the design and coordination behavior of ligands for use in hydrometallurgy.

Responsibilities

• To perform and coordinate research on the behavior of metals in solution and their interaction with organic molecules, with a specific focus on solvent extraction;
• To interpret data and provide advice on the use of spectroscopic and instrumental techniques in the study of metals and their behavior, including but not limited to UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman), and X-nucleus and heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy;
• To assist in the development of instrumental methods for elemental analysis, based primarily on T-XRF, ED-XRF and WD-XRF, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and ion chromatography;
• To coordinate the daily maintenance, training and service of XRF spectrometers and ion chromatographs;
• To design and optimize methods for precise, accurate and rapid analysis of samples with complex matrices using the available analytical equipment;
• To generate new research hypotheses and to formulate theoretical models capable of explaining and predicting observed behavior;
• To intensively collaborate with key industry partners. You will be performing high-impact research and development activities in collaboration with Belgian, European and global mining and metallurgical companies (in the context of the SOLVOMET Research and Innovation Centre);
• To collaborate internally with other researchers and experts and provide science-deep input in the framework of fundamental European, Flemish or applied Bilateral projects, for example to provide the prerequisite speciation data in the development of predictive thermodynamic models;
• To perform high-quality scientific reporting and dissemination of the scientific and technological results. This task includes preparing interim and technical reports, contributing to patent applications for new inventions, and (in some projects) publishing high-impact scientific papers. Furthermore, you will present results during network-wide events in European RIA/IA projects;
• To assist in the writing and implementation of new bilateral & EU project proposals, in collaboration with the KU Leuven IRF Research Manager on “Sustainable Metallurgy” and other research managers/experts, and the head of the SOLVOMET Group;
• To mentor PhD students, MSc students and junior postdocs working on topics closely related to solvent extraction, solution coordination chemistry and ligand design;
• Occasionally support in teaching activities.

Profile

• Ph.D in Chemistry;
• Strong track record in hydrometallurgy and solvent extraction;
• Extensive experience with instrumental techniques, in particular analytical methods including TXRF, ICP-OES and ion chromatography, and spectroscopic techniques such as UV-VIS-NIR, vibrational spectroscopy, and X-nucleus and heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy;
• Experience in speciation studies of metal complexes in solution;
• Solid theoretical background in the fundamentals of spectroscopic and analytical techniques;
• Good knowledge of inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, supramolecular chemistry or colloid chemistry and organic synthesis;
• Practical experience in conducting research projects with industry partners and/or public-funded projects in collaboration with companies;
• Experienced or willing to provide science-deep technical input in the development of new bilateral contract research projects and applied European RIA/IA projects;
• Be able to communicate complex results in a clear and precise manner with e