The large-scale production of electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and other clean technologies is required to meet ambitious climate goals globally and in Canada. Central to this transition are increased quantities of critical minerals such as lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and graphite. While the primary demand for these critical minerals is increasing and needs to be managed responsibility and transparently, urban stocks in the various products and waste sinks around us, are growing as well. These accumulated stocks/deposits are a potential source of secondary (recycled) resources. Our research considers environmental and social risks, and supply restrictions of critical minerals in the future, and resource circularity as a viable solution.
Two new projects, funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), seek researchers to join our team at Waterloo:
The Lumet project aims to illuminate the sustainability of metals and minerals value-chains. It uses data-intensive sustainability science and metallurgical process modelling to advance knowledge of standards while building technical and management capacity for traceability. Lumet partners with midstream producers to address sustainability standards, systems, and regulations that require environmental, social and governance practices. Lumet will help improve value-chain due diligence, responsible sourcing, and carbon accounting.
Beyond Lithium is a research project aimed at establishing and optimizing various resource-efficient circularity pathways for critical minerals found in electric vehicle batteries in Canada. This project will utilize methods widely applied (but not limited to) within the fields of industrial ecology and environmental engineering, such as material flow analysis (MFA), life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic feasibility assessment (TEA).
We are excited to announce three (3) open student positions for PhD in Sustainability Management and one (1) Postdoctoral Fellowship position in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED), University of Waterloo. We are looking for highly motivated and talented researchers who can join our team in September 2024 (flexible). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
Applicants will have a background with demonstrated research in Engineering (Chemical, Mining, Metallurgical, Environmental, Industrial), Industrial Ecology or Environmental Science. Candidates must have strong analytical skills and communication skills (oral and written).
The selected candidates will become members of the Waterloo Industrial Ecology Group (WIEG) that supports collaborative research and teaching, and confronts challenges of sustainable development in systems of production and consumption in the 21st century.
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. Ensure you include "WIEG – PhD/Postdoc Position at UW" in the email subject and identify your interest in Beyond Lithium or Lumet or both to help us quickly identify your application.
To apply, please forward a detailed CV indicating research experience, brief statement of purpose, and writing samples (thesis, publications, etc.) to both or either:
- Prof. Komal Habib at komal.habib@uwaterloo.ca (Beyond Lithium)
- Prof. Steven B. Young at sb.young@uwaterloo.ca (Lumet)
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as Indigenous peoples (e.g., First Nations, Métis, Inuit/Inuk), Black, racialized, people with disabilities, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+). The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.