Postdoctoral Fellow in Ion-Exchange Membranes and Electrodialysis, NTNU, Norway

Summary

The Department of Chemical Engineering (IKP), Faculty of Natural Sciences (NV) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow in the field of ion-exchange membranes and electrodialysis. The position is part of the BrinE-loop project, funded under the Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder Challenges programme. The project aims to develop a disruptive, integrated electrochemical process that converts concentrated desalination brines into valuable products while recovering critical materials such as lithium from lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery waste.

Postdoctoral Fellow in Ion-Exchange Membranes and Electrodialysis

Overview Table

Designation

• Postdoctoral Fellow (Job Code 1352)

Research Area

• Membrane Science & Engineering / Electrochemical Separations
  • Focus on: Ion-exchange membranes, monovalent/divalent ion separation, electrodialysis, electrochemical resource recovery, and battery material recycling.

Location

• Trondheim, Norway (NTNU Campus)

Eligibility & Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral Degree: A completed PhD in membrane science and technology, chemical engineering, materials science, polymer science, chemistry, electrochemistry, or a closely related discipline. (Candidates close to submitting may apply, provided the doctoral degree is completed and documented prior to commencement).
• Experimental Background: Strong experimental research experience in membrane science and membrane-based separation, including hands-on expertise in membrane fabrication and physicochemical characterization.
• Language Proficiency: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Desirable / Preferred Experience:

• Specific research experience with ion-exchange membranes (especially monovalent-selective membranes and selective transport mechanisms in multi-ion systems).
• Hands-on experimental experience with electrodialysis or related electrochemical membrane processes.
• Strong motivation, adaptability, scientific curiosity, and the ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary, international research consortium.

Job Description

NTNU leads Work Package 1 (WP1: Electrified Mono/Di-valent Stream Separation) within the BrinE-loop project. Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Membrane Engineering: Leading the design, fabrication, functionalization, physicochemical characterization, and performance evaluation of monovalent-selective ion-exchange membranes.
• Electrochemical Separation: Designing and running electrodialysis experiments to separate monovalent ions from divalent ions in high-salinity brine streams.
• Consortium Collaboration: Working with international project partners on membrane/process integration, modeling, optimization, and scale-up strategies.
• Dissemination & Reporting: Preparing high-impact scientific publications, participating in consortium meetings, and delivering technical reports for EU Horizon Europe milestones.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically via the Jobbnorge platform. Applications submitted via email or other channels will not be considered.

Required Documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education and work experience.
2. Transcripts and Diplomas: Official records for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees (or official confirmation of thesis submission / defense timeline).
3. Doctoral Thesis: A copy of the PhD thesis or a complete draft if close to submission.
4. Research Plan (2–3 pages): Describing how your research background and ideas will contribute to selective ion-exchange membrane and electrodialysis development within the BrinE-loop project.
5. List of Publications: Academic works and research outputs (both published and submitted).
6. Referees: Names and contact details of three academic/professional references.

Last Date to Apply

• September 20, 2026 (23:59 CET)

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