Research Scientist (Marine Geology / Exploration – Metallurgy) | Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin / Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter (m/w/d)

Bundesanstalt f. Geowissensch u. Rohstoffe (BGR)

Hannover, Niedersachsen, Deutschland
Published Nov 17, 2025
Full-time
Fixed-term

Job Summary

The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) is seeking a Research Scientist to join the 'Marine Geology / Exploration – Metallurgy' project. This role involves independently conceiving, coordinating, and overseeing metallurgical processing experiments, including pyro-, hydro-metallurgy, and bioleaching, focused on extracting metals from marine mineral resources such as manganese nodules and massive sulfides. Key responsibilities include conducting laboratory-scale extraction studies, scaling processes up to pilot scale, and performing chemical and mineralogical characterization of intermediate and end products. The successful candidate will also conduct economic viability analyses, develop quality standards for recovered products, and actively participate in multi-week marine geoscience expeditions annually. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in raw material economics and geoscience, requiring strong expertise in hydrometallurgical extraction and process modeling.

Required Skills

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in Metallurgy, Chemistry, Materials Science, Raw Materials Engineering, or Geosciences with a focus on hydrometallurgical processing of ores. Doctorate (Desirable).

Experience

  • Experience in the extraction of metals from ores or marine raw materials (Manganese nodules, massive sulfides, or cobalt crusts)
  • Experience in analytical characterization of metallurgical intermediate and end products (chemical, mineralogical)
  • Experience in scaling processes from laboratory to pilot scale
  • Experience in process simulation and modeling of metallurgical processes
  • Experience in preparing scientific reports, publications, and presentations
  • Professional experience at a federal authority or departmental research institution (Desirable)

Languages

German (Intermediate)English (Intermediate)

Additional

  • Willingness and physical fitness to participate in multi-week marine geoscience expeditions on research vessels. The position is temporary (fixed-term contract).