PhD position in CO2 Removal and Critical Minerals Recovery

PhD position in CO2 Removal and Critical Minerals Recovery

Employer: University of Padua

Location: Italy

Sector: Energy, Resources and the Environment (ERE)
Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology & Volcanology (GMPV)

Type: Full time

Level: Entry level

Required education: Master

Posted: 11 April 2025

Application Deadline: 5 May 2025

Position Overview: We invite applications for a Ph.D. position to develop an integrated process for critical minerals (CMs) recovery with CO2 mineralization using mining waste under the supervision of Dr. Valentina Prigiobbe (University of Padua, Italy) and Dr. Simona Liguori (Clarkson University, USA). The materials will be provided by mining companies in Italy and the United States with whom the PIs have established collaborations. Experiments and modeling activities will be carried out in conjunction with computational chemistry calculations using density function theory (DFT) to customize the process to the mineral phases in the waste and the elements to be recovered.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a master’s degree and a strong background in either chemical engineering, process engineering, environmental engineering, chemistry, geosciences, or a related field. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are necessary; knowledge of the Italian language is not required.

Funding and Duration: The Ph.D. position is funded for three years, which is the maximum duration of a Ph.D. in Italy, and starts on November 1st, 2025. During the Ph.D., the successful applicant will have the opportunity to spend up to 6 months in an academic institution abroad with an increase of 50% of the salary for that period.

About the University: The University of Padua was founded in 1222 and it is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions. It is placed at high-ranking positions in both Italian and international ranking agencies for its quality of teaching and research activities as well as student life quality. The city of Padua is located near the cities of Venice and Milan which are easily accessible through frequent high-speed trains.

How to Apply: Interested applicants should send their curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, and full contact information of three references to Dr. Valentina Prigiobbe at: vprigiob@stevens.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until May 5. For general information and application submission, please visit this page: University of Padua PhD Courses.