PhD Student (f/m/d) Development of soft-sensors connected to particle-based separation models to control flotation processes

With cutting-edge research in the fields of ENERGY, HEALTH and MATTER, around 1,500 employees from more than 70 nations at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) are committed to mastering the great challenges facing society today.

At the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF), innovative technologies for the circular economy are developed to provide and use mineral and metal-bearing raw materials more efficiently and to recycle them in an environmentally friendly way.

The Group Geometallurgy and Particle Based Process Modelling is looking for a PhD Student (f/m/d) Development of soft-sensors connected to particle-based separation models to control flotation processes, subject to project approval.

Your tasks
Develop and implement soft‑sensor concepts for continuous monitoring of ore microstructures along the entire process chain using machine‑learning (ML) techniques and validate soft‑sensor outputs against laboratory reference measurements
Perform systematic laboratory flotation experiments (varying grinding and flotation conditions); collect and curate high‑frequency time‑series data
Train particle‑based separation models (PSMs), linking micro‑structural descriptors to flotation performance
Identify and evaluate online‑measurable proxies (e.g., froth‑camera metrics, X‑ray fluorescence) for ore microstructures; conduct offline µXRF/TIMA analyses to simulate various XRF‑system configurations
Scale‑up and pilot‑test the developed concepts on a mini‑pilot flotation rig
Document results and prepare scientific publications, conference presentations and project reports; contribute to the overall project work plan and milestones
Your profile
Completed university studies (Master/Diploma) in the field of Chemical/Metallurgical/(Mineral) Process Engineering, Data Science, Statistics, Machine Learning or related field
Good knowledge of mineral processing and statistics
Familiarity with soft‑sensor concepts and data‑driven process monitoring
Understanding of ore microstructures, particle characterization, and mineralogy
Independent, self‑driven researcher with a strong problem‑solving mindset
Proven team player, able to collaborate across multiple institutions
Critical thinking to assess model performance, detect artefacts, and ensure scientific rigor
Proficiency in Python (or Julia/R) for data handling, ML model development, and statistical analysis
Ready to work with time‑series data, sensor fusion, and feature engineering
Very good knowledge of English is mandatory, knowledge of German is an advantage
Our offer
A vibrant research community in an open, diverse and international work environment
Scientific excellence and extensive professional networking opportunities
A structured PhD program with a comprehensive range of continuing education and networking opportunities - more information about the PhD program at the HZDR can be found here
Salary and social benefits in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD-Bund) including 30 days of paid holiday leave, company pension scheme (VBL)
We support a good work-life balance with the possibility of part-time employment, mobile working and flexible working hours
Numerous company health management offerings
Employee discounts with well-known providers via the platform Corporate Benefits
An employer subsidy for the "Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket"

We look forward to receiving your application documents (including cover letter, CV, diplomas/transcripts, etc.), which you can submit via our online-application-system.

Organization unit:
Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology

Place of work/ Working hours:
Freiberg
19,5 h/week

Hire date:
1 March 2026

Limitation:
36 months

For any questions, do not hesitate to ask:
Dr. Lucas Pereira Tel.: +49 351 260 4477

Deadline:
6 January 2026

Job-Id: 2025/159 (2169)

At HZDR, we promote and value diversity among our employees. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds regardless of gender, ethnic and social origin, belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf
Bautzner Landstraße 400
01328 Dresden