Research Associate

Department: www.strath.ac.uk/engineering/civilenvironmentalengineering/

Faculty: www.strath.ac.uk/engineering/

Staff Category: Research

Reports To: Head of Department/Institute

Contract Type: Fixed Term (19 months)

FTE: 1

Working Arrangements: Fully On-site. Due to the nature of this role, it is based fully on-site.

Work Location: University of Strathclyde, James Weir Building, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow, G1 1XJ 

Job Advert

This role is a full time post-doctoral Research Associate position (19 months) working on developing a geochemical tool for mine water clean-up (critical minerals) and valorisation. This NERC funded project led by Dr Andrea Hamilton develops innovative experimental/laboratory based research on using a calcium silicate mineral ‘sponge’ to sequester dissolved transition metals, particularly cobalt, copper and nickel from solution. The project combines a) analytical (aqueous) chemistry using ICP-OES, b) solid-state characterisation (X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, electron microscopy etc) and metal recovery from the ‘sponge’ post sequestration with c) developing and building a filtration unit around calcium silicate ‘sponges’ for deployment during field trials in a nickel mine in Canada. To be considered for this role you should have a PhD (or equivalent) in materials characterisation/geochemistry/chemical and process engineering/hydro-metallurgy or related fields. This position would suit someone who is interested in critical mineral recovery and developing a water filtration tool around calcium silicate based filters for treating mining wastewater.

Cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) are critical minerals vital for the clean energy transition. The World Bank projects that we will need over 3 billion tonnes of minerals and metals to deploy the renewable energy and storage required to achieve a climate target of 2°C. The International Energy Agency predicts that there will be a 16% shortfall in supply of Co and a 31% shortfall in supply of Cu by 2035. Mining operates with > 50% production losses and generates severe toxic discharges. There is an urgent and worldwide need to clean up water affected by current and legacy metal mines. The official government cost estimates for cleaning up active and abandoned mine waste sites in Canada surpass $10 billion. Globally, at least 16% of the world’s land-based critical mineral mines, deposits and districts are located in areas already facing high levels of water stress. Without proper management, critical minerals mining can be extremely water intensive and polluting. This outlines the acute need for new technology to remediate mine water and reduce reliance on primary mineral sources.

Application Procedure

Applicants should visit Strathclyde’s vacancies portal and complete an online application form including the name of three referees who will be contacted without further permission, unless you indicate you would prefer otherwise. Applicants should also submit a Curriculum Vitae and a covering letter detailing the knowledge, skills and experience you think make you the right candidate for the job. Applicants should also complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.

University of Strathclyde encourages the recruitment of disabled and neurodivergent candidates. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. You are welcome to submit a paper application or a CV instead of the online application form by contacting us at humanresources@strath.ac.uk, andrea.hamilton@strath.ac.uk.

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