Critical Mineral Recovery and Resource Sustainability
Job type: Postdoctoral Researcher
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 postdoctoral researcher to join a new and growing research group centered on critical mineral recovery and resource sustainability.
The successful candidate will lead research projects focused 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. These research projects will integrate:
- Environmental chemistry and geochemistry
- Advanced analytical and characterization techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, microscopy)
- Thermodynamic modeling
- Green chemistry approaches for selective metal recovery
The expected start date of this position is between February and May 2027 (flexible). This is a full-time appointment with an initial term of one year from the start date and the possibility of renewal based on performance and mutual agreement. The successful candidate is expected to take a leading role in project development, data interpretation, publication, and lab management.
What we offer:
- Opportunity to lead research projects and help shape a new research program at Vanderbilt University
- A supportive and collegial research environment, with regular one-on-one and group meetings, open communication, constructive feedback
- Opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations (internally and externally) with universities and national laboratories
- Strong mentorship in research, writing, publication, and career support (academia and industry)
- 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
- Opportunities for professional development, including mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, contributing to grant proposals, and delivering guest lectures
- Support for conference travel and presentations
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits (e.g., health insurance, retirement plan), commensurate with experience and qualifications and aligned with Vanderbilt’s guidelines:
Required qualifications:
- Ph.D. degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or other closely related fields prior to the start date
- A strong background in aqueous environmental chemistry, with good experience in wet chemistry laboratory works, including metal leaching/precipitation experiments and pH-controlled reactions
- Experience in ICP-MS, including sample preparation, instrument operation, data analysis, and routine maintenance
- Good publication record in peer-reviewed journals
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research environment
- Strong interest in the research area and self-motivation for high-quality research
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
Preferred qualifications:
- Prior experience and expertise in advanced solid-state analytical techniques including XRD, SEM-EDS, and XAS
- Expertise in thermodynamic modeling, including PHREEQC or other geochemical modeling software
- Strong project management skills
- Strong mentoring and leadership skills
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 “Postdoc Application”. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV)
- A brief one-page cover letter describing research background and interests
- Contact information for two references (applicants will be notified before references are contacted)
- 1–2 representative publications (as separate PDF files)
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 Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Institute of Technology. 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. 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.
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/.