Postdoc Recycling of Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries

Advance innovative electrochemical recycling of lithium iron phosphate batteries. Join this collaborative 10‑month Postdoc project and help accelerate the transition to a circular battery value chain by recovering critical raw materials through cutting‑edge electrochemical research in close partnership with industry.

Batteries will play a crucial role in the transition from fossil fuels to a more sustainable world based on renewables. Lithium‑ion batteries (LIBs) are used in many consumer products (e.g., toys, and electric cars) due to their high energy density. The LIB market is expected to grow exponentially in the coming decades due to the electrification of society. Between now and 2030, it has been estimated that around 11 million metric tons of LIBs will reach the end of their lives. Worldwide, less than 5% of all LIBs are currently recycled, which means that 95% of the spent batteries are landfilled with a serious risk to health and the environment. LIBs contain large amounts of critical raw materials like cobalt, lithium, and nickel, which should be recycled and not wasted.

In this project you will advance electrochemical recycling technologies and translate laboratory innovation into scalable solutions. You will:

Responsibilities

• Design and optimise electrochemical recycling processes (specifically electrodialysis and flow capacitive deionization) to selectively recover lithium and other valuable metals from LFP battery leachates.
• Develop and test new materials and cell configurations, improving extraction efficiency, selectivity and energy performance.
• Adapt and enhance laboratory‑scale electrochemical setups to generate robust experimental data on process stability, efficiency and energy consumption.
• Evaluate and quantify the technical and economic feasibility of the developed processes through a techno‑economic analysis, identifying pathways toward scale‑up and industrial implementation.
• Collaborate and communicate with industrial partners and academic colleagues, ensuring alignment with project deliverables and translating scientific insights into practical recycling strategies.

You will work in close collaboration with industry partners and contribute to scientific publications and knowledge dissemination. Through this role you directly support the transition to a circular battery economy by developing technologies that reduce waste, recover critical materials and lower the environmental footprint of energy storage systems.

Research Group

You will be part of the Engineering Thermodynamics group within the Process & Energy Department at TU Delft and will work under the guidance of Dr. Mahinder Ramdin. The group focuses on understanding and modelling the thermodynamic behaviour of fluids and mixtures to enable efficient, reliable and sustainable energy and process technologies. The team investigates phase equilibria, transport properties and complex fluid behaviour relevant to applications such as carbon capture, hydrogen systems, geothermal energy and advanced separation processes.

Job Requirements

We are seeking an inspiring and highly self‑motivated postdoctoral researcher. You have a critical and rigorous scientific mindset, are highly motivated, and possess strong project‑management skills. You can work independently while also being an effective team player, and are eager to collaborate closely with other researchers and industrial partners.

• A PhD degree in applied physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or a similar field.
• Profound knowledge of chemical engineering fundamentals and electrochemistry.
• Demonstrated expertise in recycling of critical raw materials.

Conditions of Employment

• Duration of contract 10 months – temporary.
• A job of 38 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• Possibility to compile an individual employment package each year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Every year 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality programme.

Relocation

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, the service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, expand your social network in Delft and support your accompanying partner with a Dual Career Programme.

Additional Information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Mahinder Ramdin at [email protected]. For information about the application procedure, please contact the faculty recruitment team at [email protected].

Application Procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 21 June 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A letter of motivation.
• The certificate of PhD degree, and English proficiency certificate if available.

Please Note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Submission is possible until 21 Jun 2026.