Postdoc in membrane processes for critical metal recovery from spent lithium-ion batteries

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, AAU Energy, a position as Postdoc in membrane processes for critical metal recovery from spent lithium-ion batteries, is open for appointment from 1 March 2026 or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is 24 months.

Your work tasks
The postdoctoral researcher will work within the Membranes research group within the Section for Thermal Engineering.

Research areas will be within recovery of critical metals from the acid leachate originating from spent lithium-ion batteries. You will apply conventional pressure driven as well as innovative membrane processes such as membrane distillation to achieve the desired recovery.  The work will be as part of the European project BeyondBattRec (https://www.beyondbattrec.eu/) that involves 12 industrial, academic and research partners from 8 European member states. 

Your competencies
The applicant must hold a doctoral degree with a focus on membrane processes for resource recovery from liquid streams. Prior experience with nanofiltration, membrane distillation, and electrically driven membrane processes is highly desirable. The candidate is expected to take a leadership role in managing and executing various project tasks; therefore, prior leadership and project management experience is preferred. A collaborative mindset and experience working in interdisciplinary and international environments will be considered an asset.

Qualification requirements 
Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level. 

Who we are   
AAU Energy is a dynamic and internationally oriented research department at Aalborg University, dedicated to developing clean and sustainable energy systems. Our research spans electrical, thermal, and mechatronic energy technologies, and we work closely with industry and academic partners to address real-world energy challenges.

The department is located in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, and this position is based at the Aalborg campus. AAU Energy employs approximately 300 staff members from diverse national backgrounds, including 25 administrative staff, and regularly hosts 30–40 guest researchers from around the world.

We offer advanced laboratory and workshop facilities, and a collaborative environment that supports innovation, knowledge sharing, and professional development.

Learn more about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk.

How to apply  
Your application must include the following: 

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma) 
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of ten publications. 
• Documentation of teaching qualifications. Depending on which faculty you are applying for employment, please see guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, The Faculty of Engineering and Science and The Faculty of Medicine If this is not enclosed, the applicant must enclose the reasons for this .
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc. 
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position 
• References/recommendations 

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.    

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.  

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position. 

Do you have any questions? 
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.    

Further information 
Read more about our recruitment process here   

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.  

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace. 

Salary and terms of employment  
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).