PhD Research Fellowship in Hydrometallurgy 2019, University of Oslo, Norway

Two positions as PhD Research Fellow in Hydrometallurgy available at Department of Chemistry, for period of three years. No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. Starting date no later than 01.10.2019

Two PhD positions within hydrometallurgy is available in the Radiochemistry group headed by Prof. Jon Petter Omtvedt, who also will be main supervisor. The PhD positions are part of the PRICE-project funded by the Research Council of Norway together with 6 Norwegian industrial companies. The project also covers two other PhD projects at NTNU and thus have inter- and multidisciplinary aspects.

The PhD projects will be part of a collaboration consisting of NTNU, SINTEF Industry, Boliden Odda, K.A. Rasmussen, Yara International, NOAH, Glencore Nikkelverk, and Solberg Industry in addition to Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo. The PhD students, both at NTNU and UiO, will work together as a team and in close collaboration with the industry partners and SINTEF.

PRICE is an acronym for PRocess Industries in the Circular Economy. The main objective of the project is to build competence in hydrometallurgy and prepare the collaborating industrial partners to the "circular economy". That implies keeping products, components, and materials at their highest utility at all times and ensuring that production is environmentally friendly and sustainable. Thus the project intends to contribute to the reduction of negative environmental impacts from producing and recycling metals, but at the same time generate more value, both through cost savings and improved chemical processes.

The paths to achieving this can be different for the various industry partners, but four sub-objectives that is common for all or at least several partners can be defined:

1. Increased recirculation and recovery of metals and minerals - in general and between the participants in PRICE.

2. Understanding the behavior (speciation) of and recovery or removal of valuable elements and toxic components present in low concentrations in process solutions.

3. Use of electrochemical means to enhance separation of elements present in trace concentrations.

4. Value chain assessment to evaluate the impacts of circular economy value-chains through environmental modelling (LCA) and techno/economic optimization.

The candidates at UiO will use radioactive tracers and speciation methods (NMR, RAMAN, etc.) to investigate extraction and separation properties of certain aqueous phase systems of interest to our industrial partners. Previous experience/education in radiochemistry and/or hydrometallurgy is an advantage, but not required.

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in chemistry. Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) must correspond to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 30 June, 2019 to complete the final exam

Desired qualifications:

• Since the fellow will work closely with Norwegian industry, oral communication skill in Norwegian or a Scandinavian language is an advantage
• Master degree in nuclear-, radio-, environmental-, or analytical chemistry will be considered as an advantage
• The candidate should, because of the close collaboration with industrial companies, have an interest in trying to combine solid fundamental research with practical innovation.

Grade requirements:

The norm is as follows:

• the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree

• Salary NOK 449 400 – 505 800 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.