Research engineer in hydrothermal processes applied to lithium-ion batteries recycling – Fixed-Term Contract (9 to 12 Months) (M/F)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

As a graduate school under the authority of the French Ministry of Industry, IMT Mines Albi is part of the Institut Mines-Télécom, France’s leading group of engineering and management schools. At the forefront of industrial and academic challenges on the international stage, the school acts as a regional scientific and economic driver by combining its four core missions into a virtuous and innovation-driven dynamic: training engineers with a sustainable development perspective, conducting scientific research, contributing to economic development, and promoting the culture of science, technology, and innovation.

Its positioning in education and research makes IMT Mines Albi a reference school in three of the four strategic themes of Institut Mines-Télécom: sustainable industry of the future, energy/circular economy/society, and engineering/health/well-being.

In 2023, IMT Mines Albi adopted a five-year strategic plan structured around seven major action areas, aligned with the strategic orientations of the IMT group to which it belongs.

IMT Mines Albi represents:

• 1,000 engineering students and researchers in training

• 290 staff members

• A consolidated budget of €32 million

• 3 training and research centers:

  • Institut Clément Ader Albi (ICA-A)

  • RAPSODEE Research Center

  • Industrial Engineering Center

IMT Mines Albi website: IMT Mines Albi Website
Short presentation video of IMT: IMT Presentation Video

JOB DESCRIPTION

The growing numbers of electric vehicles and electronic devices present a serious waste-management challenge for recyclers at the end-of-life of batteries. Spent batteries also present an opportunity in terms of economy and secure supply chains as manufacturers require access to strategic elements and critical materials to build new batteries: the recycling of lithium-ion batteries could provide a valuable secondary source of materials that could replace metal extraction in nature. The current hydrometallurgical process to recycle spent Li-ion batteries needs to be optimized, since it currently requires large quantities of chemicals including strong acids and alkalis.

The overall objective of this project is to recycle spent lithium-ion batteries with lesser environmental impact, focusing on the extraction of lithium and the production of lithium carbonate, a lithium-ion battery precursor, through environmentally-friendly process, potentially leading to a reduced cost for the current hydrometallurgical recycling process.

Characterization (ICP-OES, SEM-EDS, XRD, CHNS-O elementary analysis) of black mass from lithium-ion batteries (NMC and LFP types), provided by an industrial partner.

Selective extraction of lithium under subcritical water conditions (liquid pressurized water over 100°C and below the critical temperature (374°C) and pressure (221 bar).

Precipitation of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3), a battery precursor, from the obtained extract by using CO2 under high pressure.

Key words: lithium-ion spent batteries recycling, characterization, hydrothermal processes, lithium carbonate generation

REQUIRED SKILLS

Desired skills, knowledge, and experience

A background on high pressure and high temperature experiments would be appreciated.

Skills in analytical chemistry particularly on ICP-OES, SEM-EDS, XRD, CHNS-O elementary analysis.

Knowledge on battery is a plus as well as on modelling and simulation (PhreeqC and Aspen Plus for mineral solubilization in aqueous phases at thermodynamic equilibrium).

Abilities and personal qualities

Appetite for experimental work.

Ability to read, write and speak in English.

Ability to write scientific papers and communicate at conferences.

Ability to work independently and to take initiatives.

PROFILE SOUGHT

PhD in one of the fields related to chemical/process/environmental engineering.

Specific constraint:

Work with category 2 CMR substances (black mass of lithium-ion batteries which contain Co and Ni).

WHY JOIN US ?

Beyond the professional environment, IMT Mines Albi offers:

• A pleasant working environment on a 22-hectare campus

• 49 days of annual leave

• On-site staff catering facilities

• Sustainable mobility support for commuting

• Social benefits package (supplementary health coverage and family support)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Contract type and duration: Fixed-term contract (9-12 months)

Internal use

• Position category and reference profession:

  • Category II – Research Engineer

• Eligible applicants:

  • All categories

• Location:

  • Albi

• Application deadline:

  • June 7, 2026

• Desired starting date:

  • As soon as possible

• Recruitment is open to all candidates, with accommodations available upon request for applicants with disabilities

• Position open to Category A civil servants and/or contract staff

Contacts

• For information about the position:

  • Vincent Oriez, Associate Professor  - vincent.oriez@mines-albi.fr>

• For administrative/HR matters:

  • Laura Olivier, Recruitment Officer - laura.olivier@mines-albi.fr