Job Description

This position forms a vital component of the iRECYCLE-Malaysia project, an ambitious international research initiative that establishes Queen's University Belfast as a leader in sustainable metal recovery and circular economy innovation. You will join a world-class research team focused on developing revolutionary approaches to e-waste processing that have the potential to transform global resource recovery practices.
Working within our collaborative research environment, you will contribute to cutting-edge developments in hydrometallurgy and separation science, directly supporting Queen's strategic vision of delivering research excellence with real-world impact. The role offers unique opportunities to work with advanced analytical equipment, develop novel separation technologies, and contribute to high-profile publications that will define the future of sustainable metallurgy.
This interdisciplinary position connects chemistry, chemical engineering, and process engineering expertise, fostering innovation through international collaboration with Malaysian universities and industry partners. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on technology with clear commercial and environmental benefits.
The role involves engaging with industry stakeholders and policy makers, providing excellent networking opportunities and career development prospects. This is a full-time, 30-month fixed-term contract (with possibility of 6 months extension) with travel requirements to Malaysia for collaborative research and technology transfer activities.
About the person:
We are looking for a researcher with the following:

• A PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a closely related field, bringing demonstrable expertise in hydrometallurgy, functionalised ionic liquids, and separation techniques.
• Your experience should include analytical techniques such as ICP, XRF, spectroscopies and XRD combined with strong knowledge of coordination chemistry and complexing agents.
• You will have proven experience with spectroscopic methods and a track record of research publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Essential qualities include excellent laboratory skills with awareness of safety protocols, strong communication abilities, and experience working effectively in interdisciplinary research teams.
• The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in an international environment and be prepared to travel to Malaysia for research and collaboration purposes. Your commitment to developing sustainable separation technologies and passion for applying chemical engineering principles to environmental challenges will be crucial for success in this innovative role.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.
Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.
What we offer:
Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at
Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.
For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit
If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application -

Queen's University Belfast