Edith Cowan University Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Sustainable Lithium Extraction 2027

Edith Cowan University (ECU) is offering a three-year PhD research opportunity investigating a more sustainable way to recover lithium from spodumene, a mineral widely used in lithium production.

This three-year PhD project, part of the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Critical Energy Separation Materials (ARC CREST), will develop an innovative and sustainable pathway for lithium recovery by coupling α-spodumene processing with downstream solvent-based direct lithium extraction (DLE). The research will focus on optimising lithium extraction and purification, understanding the effects of feedstock properties and impurities, and integrating the processes into an efficient flowsheet. The project offers multidisciplinary experience in critical mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction, materials characterisation, and process optimisation.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineOctober 31, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorEdith Cowan University (ECU)
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Fully funded

Requirements

This position is open to domestic and international candidates. To be eligible for this scholarship applicants must:

• Meet the entry requirements for a PhD at ECU
• Hold a Master by Research degree in chemical engineering, metallurgical/extractive metallurgy, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related discipline

Selection criteria

• Background in chemical, metallurgical, or extractive metallurgy engineering, chemistry, or materials science
• Knowledge of hydrometallurgy and/or solvent extraction processes
• Laboratory experience in mineral processing, chemical experimentation, or materials characterisation
• Strong data analysis and process optimisation skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

Candidates do not have to meet all of the selection criteria to be considered.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Please send your CV and a brief cover letter addressing the selection criteria to Nima Fakhralmobasheri at [email protected]

For more information, kindly visit the ECU webpage.