PhD student in Applied Geochemistry
Luleå Tekniska Universitet / Högskolejobb / Luleå
2026-03-06
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hela Sverige Groundwater Geochemistry as Tracer of Critical Raw Materials (CRM) in the Per Geijer Mining District.
Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research areas. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, the public sector and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of just over SEK 2.3 billion. We have more than 1,800 employees and nearly 21,600 students.
Under the research subject Applied Geochemistry at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology (LTU), we are looking for a PhD student to join the Doctoral Research School BioGeoMetals. The research group has a strong experimental and applied profile, with well-equipped laboratories and extensive collaborations with industry and the public sector, all geared towards building a long-term, sustainable society
Subject description
Applied Geochemistry is concerned with studies into the occurrence and mobility of the elements in rocks, soil, and water, focusing on methods to prevent or reduce the environmental impact of metal extraction and infrastructure development.
Project description
The position is part of the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) funded PhD Research School on Mining and Mineral Research - BioGeoMetals, a national collaboration between Linnaeus University (coordinator), Luleå University of Technology (LTU), and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. BioGeoMetals focuses on biogeochemical and hydrogeochemical approaches for sustainable metal recovery and environmental management in mining environments. The research school addresses the mobilization and recovery of critical raw materials from mining waste rock, tailings, groundwater, or surface waters, as well as bioremediation of impaced mine sites. Through interdisciplinary doctoral training, joint courses, and close collaboration with industry and public authorities, the research school aims to educate the next generation of researchers contributing to sustainable mining and responsible resource management in Sweden and beyond.
The PhD project will focus on water rock interaction and groundwater (bio)geochemistry as a tracer of source of critical raw materials (CRM) in the Per Geijer mining district in Northern Sweden, which hosts Europe's largest known rare earth element (REE) deposit. Since mining at Per Geijer has not yet commenced, the site provides a unique opportunity to establish a pre-mining groundwater geochemical baseline and to investigate natural CRM mobilization under undisturbed conditions and possible bioremediation.
The work will combine:
• Multi-element groundwater screening using ICP-MS and ICP-SFMS
• Stable and radiogenic isotope geochemistry (e.g., Sr, Nd, Pb, U, Li, B, O, H systems)
• Advanced mineralogical characterization (uXRF, XRD, SEM-EDS, electron microprobe, LA-ICP-MS)
• Investigation of bacterial occurrence and their role in mineral weathering and metal mobility, in collaboration within the BioGeoMetals Doctoral Research School
• Identification of potential bioremediation techniques in collaboration within the BioGeoMetals Doctoral Research School
• High-resolution micro-drilling techniques developed within the Applied Geochemistry group
• Integration with hydrogeological and 3D geological models in collaboration with LKAB
Duties
As a PhD student, you will:
• Conduct field sampling of groundwater and drill core sampling
• Perform laboratory-based geochemical and mineralogical analyses
• Apply isotopic and trace element techniques
• Integrate and interpret multi-disciplinary datasets
• Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Present findings at national and international conferences
Most of your working time will be devoted to your doctoral research. Teaching and departmental duties may constitute up to 20% of full-time employment.
Qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in hydrogeochemistry, critical raw materials, and sustainable mining.
You must have:
• A Master's degree in geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, environmental geoscience, or a closely related field
• Strong knowledge of aqueous geochemistry and water-rock interaction processes
• Experience with mineralogical characterization techniques (e.g., XRD, SEM-EDS, LA-ICP-MS)
• Good oral and written proficiency in English
Meritorious qualifications include:
• Experience in isotope geochemistry
• Experience with analytical techniques such as ICP-MS or similar geochemical instrumentation
• Field experience in groundwater sampling
• Experience with geochemical modeling or statistical data analysis
Personal qualities such as analytical ability, independence, collaboration skills, and strong motivation for research will be given significant weight.
For further information about a specific subject see
• General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and technology
Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: august 2026
For further information about the position, please contact:
Professor Lena Alakangas, +46 920-49 1396,
Lena.Alakangas@ltu.se or
Vimbainashe.Dzimbanhete@ltu.seUnion representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 )920-49 2037
diana.chroneer@ltu.seOFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46) 920-49 1721
marika.vesterberg@ltu.seIn case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.
Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.
For full version of the advertisment see: Job vacancies | Luleå tekniska universitet
Closing date for applications: March 31,2026
Reference number: 2257-2026
Ersättning Enligt doktorandtrappa/according to set agreement
Så ansöker du Sista dag att ansöka är 2026-03-31
Klicka på denna länk för att göra din ansökan Omfattning Detta är ett heltidsjobb.
Arbetsgivare Luleå Tekniska Universitet (org.nr 202100-2841)
Arbetsplats Luleå tekniska universitet
Jobbnummer 9780757