PRR Project

Summary

In response to escalating anthropogenic environmental pressures, societies are reassessing the prevailing linear "take-make-dispose" consumption model and transitioning toward a more comprehensive circular economy framework. The finite nature of metal resources combined with their economic importance have thrust sustainable metallurgy to the forefront of this circular economic shift. The demand for most metals is expected to outstrip supply in the medium to long term: mining rates for most metals have reached historical peaks whilst the average ore grade has decreased over the past century. Furthermore, as for any primary commodities geopolitical issues further motivates entities to explore alternative regional sources to alleviate supply risks. The imperative to extract more from progressively diluted and diverse raw materials has led to separation and purification processes accounting for an important portion of global energy use. In contrast, urban residues such as the rapidly growing electronic waste sector represent a potential opportunity and challenge due to their inherent value, heterogeneity, and potential environmental impact. Nevertheless, despite increasing legislative measures and financial incentives, recycling rates for most metals remain low. Sustainable metallurgy is uniquely positioned to address both challenges by mitigating the environmental impact of current processes and recovering the metal value in end-of-life products, thereby closing the resource loop.The University of Aveiro is committed to lead the national discussion on the transition to the green economy by leveraging the existing pioneering knowledge as the best material institute in Portugal towards their upcycling and reuse. This position will serve to reinforce CICECO’s research line on “Sustainability” and the research group contributing towards the development of “Renewable Materials and Circular Economy”. The position requires a candidate comfortable both in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, with demonstrable experience in advanced recycling techniques focusing on electronic waste recycling, hydrometallurgy, and metal separation. The applicant should present a proven history of collaboration with national and international entities (both public and private) and is expected to independently develop and lead new research proposals and be actively involved in attracting new research funding. The candidate must demonstrate proficiency in operating the relevant instrumental techniques, including metal quantification, solvent characterisation, and electrochemistry. Finally, leadership experience to guide research teams and supervise PhD candidates is highly desirable.The prospective employee will advance the reputation of CICECO by undertaking the following responsibilities:Lead research in metal separation and recycling, focusing particularly on the development and characterisation of new materials and solvents for enhanced hydrometallurgical applications.Initiate new collaborations with national/international industrial and academic partners; secure funding for research projects, actively engaging in the application process for both national and European grants.Communicate the research findings through the publication of high-impact papers and active participation in national and international conferences.Contribute to the development of CICECO and in particularly of its research line in “Sustainability”.Train and supervise students in metal separation and recycling research, and organize technical and outreach events for both academic and general audiences.