Researcher on Lithium refining via Salt-assisted crystallization (LiSa)

Job description

This position is part of the LiSa (Lithium refining via Salt-assisted crystallization) project, a collaborative initiative involving Nobian, Back-to-Battery, Demcon, ISPT, and the University of Twente (LiSa – Lithium refining via Salt-Assisted Crystallization – ISPT).

The LiSa project aims to develop an innovative low-carbon process for producing battery-grade lithium hydroxide from recycled lithium chloride brines through continuous crystallization and electrochemical integration.

The goal of the subproject is to develop a predictive process model for the lithium refining process and support the experimental development of the continuous crystallization process. The researcher will combine thermodynamic modelling, process simulation, and crystallization engineering to enable process optimization and scale-up.

The tasks include:

• Development of thermodynamic models for multicomponent lithium salt systems
• Modelling and simulation of the integrated crystallization and electrolysis process
• Experimental support for continuous crystallization process development and validation
• Investigation of impurity behaviour and its impact on crystallization and product purity
• Process optimization and scale-up studies based on experimental and modelling results
• Close collaboration with industrial partners to validate models and define feedstock specifications for recycled lithium brines
• Dissemination of results through scientific publications and presentations

Your profile

• You have a Master or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering with a solid background in process simulation and/or chemical thermodynamics, ideally experience in the field of crystallization
• You have experience with modelling and simulation of chemical processes, ideally with the tool Aspen Custom Modeler, or equivalent
• You have a high degree of responsibility and independence, while being able to collaborate with colleagues, researchers, and other staff members
• You are fluent in English

Our offer

• A full-time position for 2 years, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU)
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.546,- to € 5.538,- (depending on your education and/or work experience)
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid)
• Excellent career support and courses for your professional and personal development.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 30-08-2026, and include:  

• A motivation letter (max. 1/2 page)
• a CV
• a list of publications (if applicable).

About the department

The Sustainable Process Technology (SPT) group is part of the Chemical Engineering Department of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Twente. We conduct experimental and theoretical research in the areas of biomass conversion, affinity separations, plastic recycling, and CO2 capture and conversion. We combine our expertise in different disciplines (process design, chemistry, catalysis, modelling, and engineering) to contribute to the development of sustainable chemical processes.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.