Two Ph.D. Students in Process Metallurgy
Luleå Tekniska Universitet / Högskolejobb / Luleå
2026-03-18
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hela Sverige 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 Process Metallurgy at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, we are looking for two Ph.D. students in "Sustainable Metal Recovery-Hydrometallurgy & Circular Economy" within the framework of Doctoral Research School Program-BioGeoMetals, funded by the Swedish Research Council.
Subject description
Process Metallurgy deals with the sustainable extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials using both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes.
About the Doctoral Research School Program-BioGeoMetals
The Research School-BioGeoMetals will focus on biogeochemical and bio- & hydro-metallurgical approaches for the sustainable recovery of critical metals from mining waste rock, tailings, and run-off waters in Sweden along with bioremediation and new crystallization techniques. Within the research school, LTU-Process Metallurgy is a key participant along with LTU-Applied Geochemistry and KTH, while the school is coordinated by Linnaeus University. Accordingly, different perspectives to achieve sustainable targets in mining and metallurgy will be explored in seven parallel and complementary doctoral projects at three Swedish universities. In this way, the doctoral students will receive an interdisciplinary education in the related subjects through joint courses, seminars, international exchanges and collaborations with industries, thereby they will be well equipped to contribute to a greener and more resource-efficient future.
The doctoral students at LTU-Process Metallurgy will join a a dynamic and international team within "Sustainable Metal Recovery-Hydrometallurgy & Circular Economy", which actively serves as a vital bridge between sustainability and material science leveraging the advanced and new hydrometallurgical approaches that includes the microbial activities and life cycle assessment of metallurgical operations.
Project description
As a Ph.D. student you will use advanced bio- and hydro-metallurgical techniques for the development of new extraction routes for an efficient and low-carbon recovery, mainly focused on critical and strategic metals from mining waste materials.
Notably, the research conducted by you will aiming not only to establish the process parameters, reveal the reaction kinetics and mechanism, and high-purity product quality but the analysis of the life cycle, determination of circular economy contribution and sustainability aspects will also remain integrated with the thesis work. Based on the fundamental research outputs and insights, you will further extent the research to prediction models and different product development, which can be tested on pilot scale as well.
Duties
As a Ph.D. student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. Project planning and independently developing the research topic are also an important part of your work. In addition, you can have the opportunity to participate in teaching and other activities, as required.
Qualifications
We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are interested in research on sustainable matrices in metallurgy, in particular, using aqueous (chemical and microbial) metallurgy. You must have a master's degree in chemistry, chemical/metallurgical engineering, materials science with background understanding and study of biology/microbiology or related subjects. Your duties require excellent knowledge in at least one of the subjects among inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, solution chemistry, electrochemistry, surface chemistry, microbial growth mechanism, metal-to-microbe interactions, separation science, and chemical engineering. Good oral and written proficiency in English is also required.
Experience in hydrometallurgical extraction of metals, minerals and material chemistry, metal recycling, handling of analytical instruments like ICP, XRD, SEM, XRF, TG-DTA, etc., as well as industrial exposure is of advantage. Prior experience with LCA and sustainability tools is an additional advantage. Valid test score like IELTS/TOEFL are desirable.
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%. You will be placed in Luleå. Start: upon agreement.
For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Sadia Ilyas, (+46)920-49 3905,
sadia.ilyas@ltu.seUnion representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 )920-49 2037
diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-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. Please also provide the contact details of two referees who may be approached to provide letters of recommendation at a later stage, if required. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.
Closing date for applications: April 8, 2026
Reference number: 2285-2026
Ersättning Salary according to PhD agreement.
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Arbetsgivare Luleå Tekniska Universitet (org.nr 202100-2841)
Arbetsplats Luleå tekniska universitet
Jobbnummer 9803998