Description of the workplace

The position is in the Membrane Group of the Division of Chemical Engineering at Lund University. The Membrane Group is the most established membrane research group in Sweden and has MemLab - Industrial membrane process research and development centre – an excellent infrastructure to develop and optimize membrane processes from lab to pilot scale. Further details about the Membrane Group can be found under: Membrane Group | Membrane Group (lu.se)

Subject description

This postdoctoral position focuses on a project aimed at developing a sustainable, energy-efficient process for lithium recovery from spent batteries with membrane technologies. The approach combines biodegradable oxalic acid leaching with advanced membrane technologies—nanofiltration (NF), electrodialysis (ED), bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED), and membrane distillation (MD). This integrated method minimizes chemical consumption, reduces energy demand, and lowers environmental impact while enabling continuous operation and faster separation. The project includes collaboration with international partners, is connected to the Swedish COMPEL platform, and involves key industrial stakeholders.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research related to the two projects. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. The position is related to an externally funded project with industrial partners and has some pre-defined targets that have to be achieved. 

The work duties include:

• Research related to lithium recovery from batteries with membrane technologies.
• Reporting the project results to project partners and funding agency.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students.
• Actively seeking external research funding.
• Collaboration and communication with industries and the wider society.
• Administration related to the work duties listed above.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English. 
• PhD in Chemical Engineering and/or membrane processes and membrane production.
• Experience to work independently but also ability to collaborate with project partners and membrane scientists.

Assessment criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in an academic career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• eaching skills. 

Other qualifications:

• Established knowledge related to the membrane processes: bipolar membrane electrodialysis, membrane distillation, electrodialysis. 
• Proven experience on membrane production and membrane spacer design
• Knowledge and experience in planning and conducting lab and pilot scale experiments, i.e. with membrane systems. 
• Proven experience with Design of Experiment (DoE).

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 3 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome to apply!