We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to a multidisciplinary project focused on designing sustainable strategies to meet the mineral resource demand of climate-neutral energy systems in the European Union.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and implement life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic assessment (TEA) models for various metal extraction, processing, and recycling technologies.
- Contribute to the development of a multi-period mathematical programming model to optimize metal supply chains for the EU energy transition.
- Analyze the environmental, social, and economic implications of scaling up mining and metal processing industries.
- Identify potential trade-offs and synergies between different technological options and sustainability indicators.
- Contribute to the formulation of roadmaps to mitigate resource scarcity, environmental, and socio-economic risks linked to the metal requirements of the EU's energy transition.
- Disseminate research findings through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.
- Collaborate with other researchers within the team.
Candidate profile
- PhD in a relevant field such as Environmental Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Ecology, Sustainable Resource Management, or a related discipline.
- Strong analytical and modeling skills.
- Experience with life cycle assessment (LCA) and/or techno-economic assessment (TEA).
- Familiarity with Python and optimization techniques.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- A strong interest in sustainability, resource management, and the energy transition.
Terms of employment
This is a full-time postdoctoral position for one year.
- The position is based in Santander, at the University of Cantabria (Spain).
- Starting date: March 2026 (tentative).
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:
- Cover letter outlining your motivation for applying and your relevant skills and experience.
- Detailed CV (maximum 4 pages).
- PhD certificate.
Please submit your application to Dr. Selene Cobo (cobos@unican.es) with the subject line "Postdoc application”