Critical Mineral Recovery and Resource Sustainability
Job type: Ph.D. Student
Job institution: Vanderbilt University
Job location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Job and project description:
Dr. Yinghao Wen in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Vanderbilt University is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student to join a new and growing research group centered on critical mineral recovery and resource sustainability. Dr. Wen’s research bridges fundamental science and practical technologies to accelerate critical mineral recovery in practice and support global transition toward a circular economy. The project will focus on understanding the occurrence and speciation of critical minerals, including rare earth elements (REE) and gallium, in non-conventional feedstocks (e.g., industrial wastes, mining residues, and end-of-life electronics), and on developing innovative and sustainable approaches for their recovery.
The Ph.D. student will be guided to progressively take ownership of their research and develop independence as they advance. The successful candidate will be fully funded throughout their Ph.D. program. The expected start date is Spring/Fall 2027. Applicants seeking a Spring 2027 start should apply for Spring admission to Vanderbilt University by November 1, 2026.
What we offer:
- The Ph.D. student will receive interdisciplinary training in:
- Wet chemistry laboratory techniques and safe laboratory practices
- Metal speciation, aqueous chemistry, and reaction mechanisms
- Design of selective metal recovery and separation processes
- Thermodynamic modeling of aqueous metal systems
- Advanced analytical and characterization techniques
- Close mentorship in developing independent research ideas and good research habits, as well as in designing and conducting experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, and communicating results
- A supportive and collaborative research environment, with regular one-on-one and group meetings, hands-on guidance, open communication, and constructive feedback
- Opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with universities and national laboratories
- Opportunities to develop expertise in advanced analytical and characterization techniques, including synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), ICP-MS, SEM-EDS, TEM, XRD, and GC
- Access to state-of-the-art analytical facilities, including the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE)
- Access to world-leading synchrotron user facilities such as the Advanced Photon Source (APS), National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), and Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) and opportunities to work alongside beamline scientists
- Training and support for careers in critical minerals, sustainability, and energy fields
- Support for conference travel and presentations
- Full tuition coverage, competitive research assistant stipend, and standard graduate student benefits
Qualifications:
Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic and research potential, including:
- A Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or other closely related fields
- A solid background in aqueous environmental chemistry
- Strong interest in critical minerals, resource recovery, and sustainability
- Strong motivation and commitment to engage in research, as well as the willingness to learn
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Prior experience in wet chemistry laboratories and/or research is preferred
How to apply:
Interested applicants should send a single PDF file containing the following materials to Dr. Wen at: raymondwen461@gmail.com, with an email subject of “Ph.D. Application”. Unofficial transcripts may be requested at a later stage. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis.
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- A brief one-page cover letter describing research background (if applicable) and interests
The application requirements and process for Vanderbilt University can be found at: https://gradschool.vanderbilt.edu/application-requirements/. Applicants need to meet the graduate admission requirements. Additional details and instruction will be provided later.
About the principal investigator:
Dr. Yinghao Wen is an incoming tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Vanderbilt University starting in January 2027 and part of the School of Engineering’s “Energy Cluster” initiative. He will also be affiliated with the Vanderbilt Center for Sustainability, Energy, and Climate (VSEC).
Dr. Wen received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Master’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Northwestern University, and Ph.D. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Texas A&M University. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Wen’s research integrates advanced analytical techniques, thermodynamic modeling, and green chemistry to develop sustainable solutions for resource recovery and energy systems. He has authored >25 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, including Journal of the American Chemical Society, Environmental Science & Technology, and Chemical Engineering Journal.
About Vanderbilt University and Nashville:
Vanderbilt University is a top-ranked private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee, recognized for excellence in research, education, and leadership across engineering, science, and health-related fields. The Vanderbilt School of Engineering has recently launched an “Energy Cluster” initiative to expand research and education in energy, sustainability, resilience and climate, creating strong opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations in these areas.
Nashville is the state capital of Tennessee. It is a vibrant and rapidly growing city with a strong economy and diverse cultural landscape. The city offers a dynamic mix of academic, healthcare, and industry sectors, along with a renowned music and arts community. Nashville features a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities and provides easy access to outdoor recreation and travel, including natural scenery, state/national parks, and hiking trails.
Vanderbilt University is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Vanderbilt University is committed to the principle of equal opportunity. Vanderbilt University does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of their race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, or genetic information in its administration of educational policies, programs, or activities, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic or other University-administered programs, or employment (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/eoa/).