Student Assistant – Bioleaching & Hydrometallurgy (Critical Metals) (All Genders)

About us

BIOWEG is a purpose-driven company developing bio-based alternatives to fossil-based ingredients using Biotech and Green Chemistry.

We create sustainable products that match or even outperform fossil-based alternatives while remaining price competitive. Our main products, MicBeads (sensory micropowder) and RheoWeg (rheology modifier), are used by leading cosmetics and chemical companies.

We are driving to create a better world and a lasting, sustainable impact. Join our diverse and relentless team to revolutionize and drive green innovation across multiple industries.

Overview

BIOWEG is seeking a motivated student assistant (Werkstudent/in) to support the bioleaching and hydrometallurgical work within the BIOPEPLEACH project. You will work closely with the Project Engineer and collaborate with academic partners at TU Berlin.

This is a hands-on laboratory role. You will be assisting in leaching experiments, preparing samples for analysis, maintaining lab equipment, and contributing to literature review.

Your role

Laboratory work (primary focus):

• Hands-on experience in a chemical laboratory.
• Preparation of feedstock samples for leaching experiments
• Setting up experiments for leaching and filtration.
• Recording experimental parameters: pH, ORP/Eh measurements, temperature logging, sampling at defined time intervals
• Prepare samples for ICP-OES/ICP-MS/HPLC/IC analysis
• Maintenance of laboratory equipments like pH meters, ORP probes, and titration equipment
• Prepare calibration standards and reagent solutions

Data and documentation:

• Analyze and extract important, applicable data from research papers.
• Maintain clean, organized lab documentation following SOPs

Your profile

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Process Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field
• Basic understanding of solution chemistry: pH, acid-base equilibria, precipitation reactions
• Understanding of hydrometallurgical concepts is an advantage
• Interest in sustainability, circular economy, and critical raw materials
• Hands-on laboratory experience (from coursework, internships, or thesis work)
• Careful, systematic working style with attention to detail and reproducibility
• Reliable, self-organized, and able to work independently after initial training
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced startup
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English (working language of the project); Fluency in German is a plus

What We Offer

• Hands-on involvement in a project at the intersection of biotechnology and hydrometallurgy
• Collaboration with academic partners at TU Berlin (UniSysCat Cluster of Excellence)
• Practical experience with industrial-relevant analytical techniques (ICP, HPLC, titration)
• Mentorship from an experienced process engineer with pilot-scale REE separation expertise
• Flexible hours compatible with your study schedule
• Potential for the role to develop into a thesis project (Bachelor's or Master's)