Postdoctoral Fellowship in Beneficiation of Critical Raw Materials

The North-West University’s Faculty of Engineering, through its Centre for Sustainable Mining on the Potchefstroom Campus, is offering a postdoctoral fellowship focused on the beneficiation of critical raw materials. This research position is hosted within the South African Circular Minerals and Metals Initiative, an interdisciplinary programme dedicated to advancing circular economy principles in the mining and minerals sector. The primary research focus is the recovery and beneficiation of critical metals and minerals from secondary resources, including mine wastes, metallurgical residues, industrial by-products, and end-of-life materials, using pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processing routes. The fellowship is a fixed-term appointment and is intended for early-career researchers seeking to build an independent research profile while contributing to high-impact work in sustainable mineral processing.

Applicants must hold a relevant PhD in extractive metallurgy, metallurgical engineering or chemistry, chemical engineering, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, or a closely related discipline, and the degree must have been obtained within five years prior to appointment. Demonstrated experimental research experience in extractive metallurgy or an allied field is essential. Candidates should also have a strong publication record in peer-reviewed international journals, along with excellent experimental, analytical, and scientific-writing skills. The role requires the ability to plan and conduct research independently, analyse and interpret experimental results, and prepare outputs for publication. Strong communication skills and the capacity to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment are also expected. An interest in hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and recycling processes would be advantageous.

The successful fellow will be responsible for the development, optimisation, and integration of processes aimed at the recovery, separation, and upgrading of critical metals and minerals from secondary sources. This includes experimental design and execution, data analysis, interpretation of results, and the preparation of manuscripts for leading international journals. The post offers the opportunity to expand national and international research networks, contribute to the development of sustainable mineral-processing technologies, and take part in ongoing collaborative projects. The fellow will join a multidisciplinary research group with access to a comprehensive range of facilities, including mineral and material characterisation tools, hydrometallurgical processing systems, high-temperature pyrometallurgical equipment, and advanced analytical laboratories. Established partnerships with national and international academic and industrial collaborators further support the research environment. Enquiries about the fellowship may be directed to the named academic contacts within the Faculty of Engineering. The duties of the fellowship are expected to commence as soon as possible after appointment.