Postdoc Analysis of Non-Metallic Content and its Impact on Downstream Recycling of Li-ion Batteries

Job description

Join the Materials Production, Refining and Recycling (MPRR) group in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at TU Delft and contribute to advancing battery circularity by optimizing the recovery of critical raw materials in the hydrometallurgical recycling of Li-ion batteries.

In this reserach, you will:

• Investigate purification and separation methods to understand mechanisms for impurity removal (e.g., Cu, Al, Fe) and for better recovery of Co, Ni, and Mn.
• Identify and optimize key process parameters for black mass treatment in close collaboration with industry partners.

Background

Batteries are essential for decarbonizing transport and enabling renewable energy storage, yet their widespread use presents a growing waste-management challenge. Recycling spent batteries is key to recovering valuable materials and improving the sustainability of the battery value chain. Hydrometallurgical recycling is particularly suitable to handle the complex and variable composition of industrial Li-ion waste streams. However, it must become more efficient and sustainable, while achieving higher purity and recovery rates to meet EU regulatory targets.

This project is part of the CRM Lion project, which is part of the national program for Material Independence & Circular Batteries, supporting the development of Li-ion battery recycling industry in the Netherlands.

Job requirements

We are looking for a proactive, self-motivated candidate with a strong background in experimental research. Candidates should meet the following requirements:

• Has obtained (or is about to defend) a PhD in chemistry, materials science, physical chemistry, physics, or a related field.
• Is a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher Lab experience and skills in materials characterization and analytical chemistry. Prior experience in Li-ion battery recycling is advantageous.
• Strong communication skills in English, including proficiency in scientific writing (reports, papers) and technical presentations.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and willingness to collaborate with academic and industrial partners.
• Is available to start as soon as possible.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. 

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration. 

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Mechanical Engineering 

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems. 

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 3 years Temporary
• A job of 36-40 hours per week. 
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP. 
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year. 
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages. 
• Flexible working week. 
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget. 
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses. 
• Partially paid parental leave 
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program. 

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  . 

Additional information

The expected starting period is early 2026

For more information about this vacancy, please contact: Dr. Shoshan Abrahami, S.T.Abrahami@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 December 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A cover (motivation) letter

• A detailed CV

• A copy or link to your PhD thesis or selected papers

• Contact details of 2-3 references

   

You can address your application to Dr. Shoshan Abrahami.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.