Project Description: The Circular Process Engineering (CPE) Laboratory at Dalhousie University is seeking two motivated PhD students for a funded research project on recycling spent sodium-ion batteries. This project focuses on transforming recovered battery materials—such as hard carbon anodes and metal-based cathodes (e.g., iron, manganese, nickel)—into high-value products for non-battery applications. A core part of the work will involve investigating the synthesis of functional adsorbents and catalysts, followed by evaluating their performance in environmental and industrial applications. PhD candidates will also perform Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Techno-Economic Analyses (TEAs) to assess the environmental impact and economic viability of the developed recycling pathways. This interdisciplinary research sits at the intersection of Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Engineering, and Chemistry. Applications are welcome from students with relevant academic backgrounds and a strong interest in sustainable technologies.

If you are excited about advancing sustainable technologies through innovative recycling strategies and enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration, we encourage you to apply. This opportunity is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and international applicants with relevant backgrounds in engineering or related fields. We are committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) as a cornerstone of our research and community. We strive to create and sustain an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that fosters innovation through a wide range of ideas and experiences. We encourage individuals from underrepresented groups—including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, and people with disabilities—to apply.

What We Offer: Successful candidates will join a supportive and dynamic research environment that fosters both academic and professional growth. Our team offers tailored technical and professional development opportunities aligned with each student’s career aspirations. In addition to attending academic conferences and networking events, students will engage with industry partners to gain practical experience and explore real-world applications of their research. At Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Engineering, PhD students in this project will complete a minimum of four graduate-level courses, a comprehensive examination, and a thesis defense over a four-year period. Graduate students also have access to health and dental plans, subsidized local transit, and other services. For more information about PhD programs, benefits, and services, please visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Engineering, and Dalhousie University International Centre webpages.

Required Qualifications:

·       MSc degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Engineering, or Chemistry.

·       Minimum GPA of 85/100 (or equivalent).

·       Proof of English language proficiency (either through prior training or an English language exam).

Preferred Qualifications (considered assets):

·       Experience with characterization and analytical techniques, battery recycling processes, pyrolysis, catalyst synthesis, thermal treatment processes, and adsorption studies.

·       Experience with Techno-economic Analysis, Life Cycle Analysis, and Artificial Intelligence.

How to Apply: To apply, please complete the online form linked below. Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.