Topic: Critical minerals

Develop ligands and functionalised sorbents for recovering gallium, germanium and other critical minerals from zinc-processing streams. Research spans organic synthesis, resin and polymer modification, liquid–liquid and solid–liquid separations, and analytical characterisation. The Nanomaterials Chemistry Group collaborates with spectroscopy, theory, radiochemistry and industrial specialists. The initial appointment is up to 24 months, with possible extension subject to performance and funding.

Advance critical-mineral research with Sean Regan and Florian Hofmann at the UAF Geophysical Institute through the NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska. The initial project fingerprints minerals using U-Pb-TREE analysis of detrital zircon from modern river catchments with different mineralisation patterns. Work develops chemical proxies for mineral prospectivity, investigates petrogenetic processes and optimises new analytical instrumentation, including methods for alternative mineral phases. The fellowship also allows independent research questions and collaboration with universi