PhD Student (f/m/d) Characterization of primary REE resources at HZDR; Advancing hydrometallurgical processing of REEs.
PhD Student (f/m/d) Characterization of primary REE resources for innovative hydrometallurgical technologies - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, HZDR
Organization unit: Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology
Hire date: 1 October 2026
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At HZDR, we promote and value diversity among our employees. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds regardless of gender, ethnic and social origin, belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.
Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf Bautzner Landstraße 400 01328 Dresden
d) Characterization of primary REE resources for innovative hydrometallurgical technologies
With cutting-edge research in the fields of ENERGY, HEALTH and MATTER, around 1,500 employees from more than 70 nations at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) are committed to mastering the great challenges facing society today.
At the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF), innovative technologies for the circular economy are developed to provide and use mineral and metal-bearing raw materials more efficiently and to recycle them in an environmentally friendly way.
The Department of Process Metallurgy is looking for a PhD Student (f
d) Characterization of primary REE resources for innovative hydrometallurgical technologies.
Investigation of rare earth element (REE) containing primary resources and safe handling of high-grade, complex, polymetallic primary ore samples
Systematic characterization of primary REE resources, including the creation of mineralogical and geological data basis for the investigated deposits utilizing tools like SEM-EDS, XRF, X-ray tomography, SEM-based automated mineralogy, Raman spectroscopy, microwave digestion, ICP-OES
Identification and development of strategies for extraction of valuables, mainly rare earths, and processing (physical and chemical) of primary resources for further utilization within the same project
Presentation of results at national and international conferences, and project meetings
Follow up with collaboration partners
Ensure thorough and robust scientific reporting
Monitor progress and prepare publications for contributions to the REEHydroMin project under the FONA EGARoh cluster and beyond
Follow-up with a systematic PhD and credit collection plan and project milestone plan
Diploma) in the field of Economic Geology, Mineralogy, Chemistry, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering or related field
Experience with instrument-based chemical analysis and mineralogical characterization for trace and major components (such as XRF, XRD, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, SEM, SEM-based automated mineralogy)
Knowledge or experience working with samples containing naturally occurring heavy elements
Experience in evaluating mineralogical variations within REE containing ores and deposits
Knowledge of hydrometallurgical processing of this specific ore samples
Experimental experience in hydrometallurgy is advantageous
Capability to evaluate the effect of properties from different ore deposits on processing strategies
Trained in safe experimental laboratory practices and sample preparation
Ability to combine multidisciplinary data into scientific conclusions
Great teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate with international partners
Flexible, hardworking and multitasking with a good academic track record
Excellent ability in scientific writing and presentation in English
Good German language skills would be an advantage
A vibrant research community in an open, diverse and international work environment
Scientific excellence and extensive professional networking opportunities
A structured PhD program with a comprehensive range of continuing education and networking opportunities - more information about the PhD program at the HZDR can be found here
Salary and social benefits in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector ( TVöD-B und) including 30 days of paid holiday leave, company pension scheme (VBL)
Depending on the personal qualifications, the candidate may be classified in salary group 13 according to TVöD-B und
We support a good work-life balance with the possibility of part-time employment, mobile working and flexible working hours
Numerous company health management offerings
Employee discounts with well-known providers via the platform Corporate Benefits
An employer subsidy for the “Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket”
We look forward to receiving your application documents (including cover letter, CV, diplomas
transcripts, etc.), which you can submit via our online-application-system.