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Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focusing on advanced battery recycling and material recovery.
Application Deadline: March 22, 2026
Employment Type: Full-time, 4 years (initial 1.5-year contract followed by 2.5-year continuation based on performance)
Salary: €3,059–€3,881 gross/month (full-time, 38 hours/week), plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
Supervisor: Dr. Shoshan Abrahami ([email protected])
Location: Delft, Netherlands
Project Overview
This project is part of the ADAPT-BATT (Adaptive Processing for LFP-mixed Battery Waste Streams) initiative, embedded in the national Material Independence & Circular Batteries program.
The research aims to advance Li-ion battery circularity by developing electrochemical purification and separation methods to recover high-purity materials from mixed NMC and LFP battery waste streams.
Key objectives:
- Optimize the leaching and recovery of valuable elements from mixed battery waste
- Electrify purification and separation processes for Cu, Al, Fe, and graphite
- Improve cell design and closed-loop operation for sustainable recycling
- Test performance of recovered materials in new battery cells
The work supports greenhouse gas reduction, minimized chemical usage, and improved sustainability compared to conventional recycling methods.
Research Environment
- Materials Production, Refining and Recycling (MPRR) group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), TU Delft
- Collaboration with Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO)
- State-of-the-art labs and experimental facilities for hydrometallurgy, electrochemistry, and materials analysis
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration with industry and academic partners
Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications:
- MSc degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, or closely related field
- Practical experience in hydrometallurgy and electrochemistry
- Hands-on experience in chemical laboratory work with strong knowledge of safety protocols
- Solid understanding of chemical reactions and thermodynamics
- Strong proficiency in English (scientific writing and presentations)
Desirable Skills:
- Experience in lithium battery recycling
- Knowledge of experimental design, electrochemical systems, and materials characterization
- Ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams
Personal Qualities:
- Proactive, self-motivated, and detail-oriented
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Interest in publishing high-quality research
TU Delft & Faculty Overview
- TU Delft is a top-ranked international technical university, combining science, engineering, and design
- The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering focuses on materials, processes, systems, and sustainability, providing advanced lab facilities and international research networks
- TU Delft values diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance, with dedicated services for relocation and dual-career support
Application Procedure
Submit your application online by March 22, 2026 via the TU Delft portal. Required documents:
- Motivation (cover) letter
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- MSc thesis abstract in English
Contact for Queries: Dr. Shoshan Abrahami ([email protected])
Note: TU Delft conducts a risk assessment to protect knowledge security; only online applications will be considered.
This PhD offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable Li-ion battery recycling, working at the interface of electrochemistry, materials science, and industrial application at a world-leading technical university.
Apply now at: https://careers.tudelft.nl/job/Delft-PhD-Position-Electrochemical-Purification-and-Recovery-from-Mixed-Li-ion-Battery-Waste-2628-CD/1353751457/
