OPTIMIZATION OF EXCAVATION AND EXPLOITATION METHODS APPLIED TO TAILINGS AND MINING WASTES FOR R[...]

Organisation/Company: Politecnico di Torino Department: DIATI Research Field: Engineering » Chemical engineering, Engineering » Civil engineering Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions: PhD Positions Country: Italy Application Deadline: 30 Dec 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Rome) Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Full-time Hours Per Week: 36 Offer Starting Date: 1 Mar 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number: ... Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description Third-cycle subject: PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering The Politecnico di Torino offers a position for a highly motivated PhD student within the European doctoral network “CRITERIA” in the field of Optimization of excavation and exploitation methods applied to tailings and mining wastes for remediation and environmental purposes. The CRITERIA network aims to train young researchers in tackling challenges related to the modelling and characterization of critical raw materials deposits for their sustainable exploration and development. The PhD aims to comprehensively investigate the excavation and exploitation techniques applied to tailings and mining wastes, focusing on their remediation potential and broader environmental implications. This includes analyzing methods for mitigating the adverse effects of mining activities and exploring innovative strategies for reclaiming and repurposing waste materials. The research will also assess the environmental impacts of these techniques, aiming to identify sustainable practices that minimize ecological damage. A critical aspect of the study involves evaluating the feasibility of reclamation and reuse of mining waste, emphasizing converting tailings into valuable resources. This requires an in-depth examination of current geological mapping and material mixing techniques, alongside efforts to improve these processes for maintaining or optimizing production efficiency. Advanced technological interventions and innovative engineering solutions will be explored to ensure effective waste management and resource recovery. Additionally, the project will investigate the potential of in situ bioleaching methods as a sustainable approach to extracting valuable metals from tailings. This technique can reduce environmental contamination by leveraging microbial activity while recovering economically important elements. The outcomes of this research aim to contribute to more sustainable mining practices and support the transition toward a circular economy in the mining sector. The position is funded by the Doctoral Networks Program, part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). The project ‘CRITERIA – CRItical raw material treatment and recovery from mining tailings and waste dumps’ offers 13 PhD positions, and the candidates will take part in an intricate research and training program involving several academic and industrial partners. In this position, the candidate will take part in secondments at Universita Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and Imhoit. Supervision: Prof. Zanetti Mariachiara, Prof. Panepinto Deborah, Prof. Cardu Marilena are proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission. What we offer The possibility to study in a dynamic and international research environment in collaboration with industries and prominent universities from all over the world. A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to Polito’s Doctoral student salary agreement. A postgraduate education at an institution that is active and supportive in matters pertaining to working conditions, gender equality and diversity as well as study environment. Work and study in Torino, close to nature and art. Help to relocate and be settled in Italy and at Politecnico di Torino. Where to apply E-mail: ... Requirements Research Field: Engineering » Chemical engineering, Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Research Field: Engineering » Civil engineering, Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Skills/Qualifications: Independently pursue their work (self-motivated and organized) Communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with diverse academic and industry partners Have a professional approach Problem-solving and experimental skills, with a focus on industrial applications Analyse and work with complex issues The ideal candidate has a degree in environmental, mining or energy resources engineering, and related fields. Candidates are expected to have a strong foundation in geology, chemistry or materials science. The candidate must have strong analytical skills and be comfortable with lab work. Willingness to engage in secondments at industrial and academic partners to gain practical and interdisciplinary experience is a must. Languages: ENGLISH Level: Good Research Field: Geosciences » Geology, Chemistry » Applied chemistry, Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4 Additional Information The selected candidates will receive a 36-months, full-time employment contract as per Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) regulations for early stage researchers, with a highly competitive salary, including a generous monthly living and mobility allowance and (if eligible) a monthly family allowance. The gross salary consists of: Living allowance: 3.300 EUR/month, multiplied by the country correction coefficient of the country where the researcher is recruited. Mobility allowance: 600 EUR/month Family allowance: if applicable - depending on the family situation at the time when the contract is being concluded: 495 EUR/month. Net salary may change in 2025 due to national taxation changes. Eligibility criteria The recruitment date for this position is 1st March 2025. In order to comply with the MSCA-DN eligibility rules, the applicant: Must not be already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment; Must undertake transnational mobility: must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Short stays such as holidays are not considered; To be eligible for a PhD at Politecnico di Torino, the applicant is bound to have the following requirements: Certificate with all the exams taken in the Bachelor’s degree programme (front and back scan) or a document issued by the University including all the exams taken. Master’s degree diploma (EQF level 7). If the official diploma is not available yet, a provisional one can be accepted. Otherwise, an official document specifying the expected date of graduation is necessary. Certificate with all the exams taken in the Master’s degree programme (front and back scan). If at the final year of programme, a certificate of the exams taken - as updated as possible - with the average of final or current grades ; Diploma Supplement, Declaration of value or Statement of Comparability issued by the Italian ENIC-NARIC – CIMEA, if available. These documents must be written in Italian, English, French or Spanish by the issuing University. In case of any other language than those mentioned above, applicants are required to attach both the original version of the document and its official translation in Italian or English. The documents must be on headed paper with the stamp of the institution that issued them and the administrator's signature in charge. Electronically signed documents can only be accepted if they can be verified online via QR code or verification link. One of the following certificates of English language knowledge, regardless of the data of obtainment: IELTS with a minimum score of 5.5; English language certificate – level B2 (valid regardless of the conferral date) as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The language certificates accepted by Politecnico di Torino are available at . Certificates which are not listed in the above-mentioned table will not be accepted. Selection process In order to succeed as a doctoral student at Politecnico di Torino you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to: Independently pursue their work (self-motivated and organized) Communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with diverse academic and industry partners Have a professional approach Problem-solving and experimental skills, with a focus on industrial applications Analyse and work with complex issues Politecnico di Torino is engaged to ensure an Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) of researchers. The composition of the selection committee will respect the rules of parity both in gender and in academic/industrial participation. Rejected applications will receive constructive feedback, and the recruited candidate will have the possibility to be accompanied in their administrative procedures to enroll in the PhD program. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement. Applications must be received by the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time). The candidates will be evaluated based on their resumes and on their interview, either in person or by telematic way. In order to apply, candidates are required to provide the following documents to the email address: .... Applications must include the following elements: CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge. Motivation letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long) Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Italian if the original document is not issued in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified. Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text. #J-18808-Ljbffr