Extracting electronic components and precious metals from EoL products such as Printed Circuits Boards and PV panels requires innovative technologies applying magnetic liquids and innovative sorting techniques based on interactions of magnetic liquids, high-intensity magnets, and solid particles.

The H2020 project Peacoc involves 19 partners with researchers from universities, research centers, and industries, working closely together to reach a common goal: a first-of-a-kind economically and environmentally viable pre-commercial system for recovering Precious Metals (PMs) (i.e., Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) identified as critical raw materials by the European Commission, as well as gold (Au) and silver (Ag)), essential for the EU economy, from a wide variety of abundant end-of-life (EoL) products in Europe. The Resources and Recycling group at Delft University of Technology is the partner of this project developing innovative sorting technologies like Magnetic Density separation and optical sorting for concentrating electronic components (e.g., capacitors, central processing units) containing PGMs to be extracted by other project partners pyro-hydro-metallurgical processes. In Peacoc, we aim to create a circular process that will improve the profit margin for the recovery of materials from EoL products as well as enable the economic recovery of PMs from EoL wastes (i.e., printed circuits board and PV panels) that are not yet effectively valorized in Europe, thereby drastically reducing the risk of supply and deficit of PMs to EU industries.

Research in the Resources and Recycling group has a reputation for moving innovative physics into industrial reality, resulting in six spin-out companies to date. The project offers the opportunity for a new postdoc to join our team and work together with innovative industries involved in the Peacoc project.The project offers the opportunity for a postdoc in Mechanical Engineering to join our team and work together with other researchers involved in the Peacoc project. The postdoc will focus on designing the interaction of magfluids, high-intensity magnetic fields, and particles to use these phenomena to create innovative sorting equipment and build and test it. The research involves design, experiments, and modelling. The experimental part includes physical processes such as mechanics particle-particle interactions, fluid dynamics, and process control. This research builds on preceding successful Ph.D. and Post Doc research in our group and will form a critical step to achieving industrial adaptation.

Our group seeks an enthusiastic postdoc with a background in Mechanical Engineering. The research involves building a large set-up and performing experiments at high TRL in the lab. You are interested in the specific fields of engineering and physics to be studied, and you are willing to work with an international and multidisciplinary team. You have a good comprehension of English, both spoken and written. Candidates should have an affinity for innovation. Knowledge of process technology and the leading 3D CAD modeling platforms (e.g., SolidWorks or Inventor 3D software) to design detailed mechanical systems is an advantage.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication €2836 to €4474 per month gross). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our goals and supports its scientists in integrating Open Science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.