PhD: Bioprocess for the Valorisation of Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Batteries
PhD Program
is a collaboration program between SEAT and the UPC University where strategic research projects are carried out.
SEAT is committed to quality research and to advance in new areas of the future. For this reason, we are currently looking for motivated candidates to join our teams.
Project Description: BIOBAT is a collaborative initiative between SEAT, S.A. and the Smart Sustainable Resources group at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (SSR-UPC) to develop innovative, sustainable processes for the valorisation (recovery and reuse) of waste batteries from hybrid and electric vehicles. The project introduces a circular bioeconomy and urban mining approach, using biological processes as an alternative to conventional battery recycling methods.
Objective: The main goal is to recover valuable metals (cobalt, lithium, nickel, manganese) from battery waste using microorganisms, making the process more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Methodology: The project dismantles and analyzes batteries, then uses microorganisms to extract valuable metals under optimized lab conditions, aiming for a scalable, eco-friendly recycling process.
Expected Results: To deliver a new, eco-friendly process for extracting key metals from batteries, enabling their reuse in new products, reducing hazardous waste and supporting a circular economy through scalable local recycling.
Localized Production: To enable battery recycling within Catalonia, reducing exports of waste and supporting local industry and job creation.
Required Qualifications:
- Graduates (240 ECTS) with a Master’s degree (minimum 60 ECTS)
- Degree in Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and a Master’s degree in related disciplines. Average score higher than 6.5.
- Interest in research within the business world
- Advanced Spanish and English.
- Structured analytical approach for problem solving.
- Good communication, presentation, technical writing, critical analysis, and problem solving skills.
- Ability to work autonomously and proactively.
- Interest in circular economy and sustainability.
- Interest for automotive sector (desirable car-enthusiast)
What do we offer?
- Possibility to carry out a strategic and research project
- Access to a leading company in the automotive sector
- Be part of the Doctorate collective of the company
- Temporary contract for 3 years
- Competitive salary package
- Collective transportation to our workplaces (Barcelona and Martorell)
- Hybrid work model: 2 days working from home per week
- Variety of breakfast and lunch dishes at a discounted price at our canteen and cafeteria
- Access to our Medical Center network
- SEAT group life insurance
- SEAT employment pension plan starting from the 2nd month in the company
- Purchase of new and used SEAT vehicles with special discounts
- Advantages in SEAT vehicle leasing for employees
- Possibility to request a personal loan from the second year in the company
- Ongoing training through our internal Learning platform
- Activities and discounts for SEAT employees
At SEAT/CUPRA we firmly believe in the power of diversity and inclusion as fundamental pillars of our culture, where everyone can be authentically free and freely authentic. We work passionately to create an environment where every voice is heard and valued, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, cultural identity, age, beliefs, or any other diversity.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is a priority we hold ourselves to every day.
#J-18808-Ljbffr