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PhD Scholarship - Solvent-Based Direct Lithium Extraction

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.

Important dates

Opens: 14-08-2026 Closes: 31-08-2026

Applies to

Domestic International Postgraduate Research

At a glance

Lithium is a critical mineral essential to batteries and the global energy transition, and demand for sustainable, efficient extraction methods is growing rapidly. Conventional processing of α-spodumene is energy- and reagent-intensive.
This project develops a clear alternative solvent-based direct lithium extraction (DLE) process, optimising lithium recovery and purification, and studying the effects of feedstock properties and impurities.
The successful candidate will integrate these processes into an efficient flowsheet and gain multidisciplinary experience across critical mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction, materials characterisation, and process optimisation, as part of the ARC CREST research hub.

Eligibility guidelines

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.

Terms and conditions

  • The scholarship is offered for up to three years, subject to satisfactory academic progress and continued eligibility.
  • The successful applicant must meet ECU’s admission requirements for enrolment in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and comply with ECU’s applicable research scholarship terms, conditions, policies and procedures.
  • The scholarship is associated with the ARC Research Hub project for Critical Energy Separation Materials (ARC CREST), and the successful candidate will be expected to undertake research aligned with the objectives and activities of the Hub.
  • The final scholarship offer and conditions will be subject to ECU approval and the applicable funding arrangements.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter addressing the selection criteria to Nima Fakhralmobasheri at n.fakhralmobasheri@ecu.edu.au

For more information

Questions about this scholarship can be directed to n.fakhralmobasheri@ecu.edu.au

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