Participate in research focused on the development of advanced critical mineral recovery platforms from traditional primary resources and secondary/waste-derived feedstocks. The position will support laboratory experiments related to leaching, separation, and purification processes for recovering critical rare earth elements and other critical minerals. The selected candidate will assist with experimental design, sample preparation, chemical analysis, data processing, and documentation to support project deliverables.
Additional Information:
This academic hourly position is intended to support current research activities and may offer the opportunity to transition into a formal position in the future, depending on project needs, funding availability, and demonstrated performance.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
95% - Research
- Prepare and conduct laboratory experiments related to critical mineral leaching, separation, and purification.
• Assist with operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
• Support experimental setup, reagent preparation, sample digestion, filtration, and other wet chemistry procedures.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
• Grow, maintain, and monitor microbial cultures to support critical mineral related recovery experiments. - Maintain accurate laboratory records, including experimental conditions, observations, results, and safety documentation.
• Assist with preparation of reports, presentations, figures, tables, and other project-related documents.
• Conduct literature searches related to critical mineral recovery, hydrometallurgy, bioleaching, separation technologies, and related topics.
• Maintain laboratory supplies, inventory, and a clean and safe working environment.
• Perform other research tasks and analyses as needed to meet project goals and deliverables.
5% - Other
• Keep abreast of developments in critical mineral recovery, environmental remediation, and related research areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of PRI/ISTC.
Position Requirements and Qualifications Education:
Required: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, materials science, engineering or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to the position.
Preferred: Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, materials science, chemical/environmental engineering, or a related discipline.
Experience:
Required: Laboratory experience in chemistry, biology, environmental science, materials science, engineering, or a related field.
Preferred: Experience with one or more of the following areas is preferred:
• Wet chemistry laboratory procedures
• Acid/base leaching or chemical extraction
• Filtration, precipitation, or other separation/purification processes
• Sample digestion and preparation for elemental analysis
• ICP-OES, GC-MS, XRD, SEM or other analytical instrumentation
• Data analysis using Excel, Python, R, or similar tools
• Research related to critical minerals, coal ash, mine waste, industrial byproducts, or environmental remediation
Training, Licenses or Certifications:
Required: Lab safety training, or the ability to complete required lab safety training before beginning laboratory work.
Knowledge Requirements:
• Ability to follow laboratory protocols and safety procedures.
• Strong attention to detail in sample preparation, data recording, and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Good organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to learn new experimental methods and analytical techniques.
• Basic knowledge of chemistry, materials, environmental science, or engineering principles relevant to leaching and separation processes.
Hourly rate begins at $18 per hour and is commensurate with experience. Please email resume/CV and statement of interest to Linduo Zhao zhao117@illinois.edu and Jaemin Kim jaemin@illinois.edu