For Sustainable Metal Recycling in a Circular Economy

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We are shaping the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, creating global societal benefits based on the Arctic region. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national, and regional companies, public actors, and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of nearly 2.1 billion SEK per year. We currently have 1,900 employees and 18,700 students. In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in large projects aimed at creating a more sustainable society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly relevant research projects and the societal transformation that follows. We offer a wide range of educational programs to match the skills in demand. We hope you want to help us build the sustainable businesses and societies of the future.

In process metallurgy, we work with the efficient extraction of metals in a sustainable manner, from primary and secondary resources through pyro- and/or hydrometallurgical methods. We are now seeking a PhD candidate in sustainable metal recycling, focusing on hydrometallurgy and circular economy. As a PhD candidate, you will conduct research related to the refinement of industrial waste streams to produce battery chemicals as an alternative to graphite anode batteries, as well as establish resource recovery. This will be done through a combination of modeling circular economy with life cycle inventory and techno-economic analysis. As a PhD candidate, you will have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and international team and conduct research in close collaboration with senior researchers in the group.

Subject Description

Process metallurgy encompasses sustainable extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials based on both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods.

Project Description

As a PhD candidate, you will use advanced hydrometallurgical techniques to develop new process routes to explore new battery chemistries with higher performance. More specifically, the research work will focus on mapping local resources in the northern part of Europe and the Arctic region (NPA), which can be refined in a circular economy to recycle high-purity anode materials to be used in rechargeable batteries with greater specific capacity. Within the NPA region of the European Union (EU), the research approach will harmonize with the region's strategy for smart specialization and address global megatrends affecting the northern regions.

The research you conduct will not only aim at resource mapping and the production of resource inventories but also at establishing new process/extraction routes with involved reaction mechanisms to achieve high product quality. Additionally, the assessment of the life cycle value chain in a circular economy will be integrated into the dissertation work. Based on the fundamental research results and insights, you will further expand the research to predictive models and various product developments, which can also be tested at pilot scale.

This recruitment is linked to the Interreg-NPA project co-financed by the EU and Region Norrbotten (Sweden) to strengthen the innovation capacity of resilient and attractive NPA communities, where LTU is a key partner in the project.

Responsibilities

As a PhD candidate, you are expected to conduct experimental, theoretical, and field-based work within the framework of your doctoral studies. You are also expected to present and communicate your research results at national and international conferences as well as in scientific journals.

The majority of your working time will be dedicated to your own doctoral studies. Project planning and independent development of the research topic are also important parts of your work. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to participate in teaching and other activities as needed.

Qualifications

We are looking for a driven PhD candidate with a strong interest in research on sustainable materials in metallurgy, with a particular focus on the synthesis of new electrode materials. The research is based on an integrated methodology that includes pyro- and hydrometallurgy, materials science, inorganic chemistry, and chemical engineering. A master's degree in a related research area is required. Having prior knowledge of battery chemistry and hydrometallurgy is advantageous, considering the nature of the project. Experience with analytical instruments such as ICP, XRD, SEM, XRF, TG-DTA, etc., as well as industrial experience is a plus.

For further information on specific doctoral education, see Technical Science Area General Study Plans | Luleå University of Technology (https://www.ltu.se/)

Information

Employment as a PhD candidate is limited to 4 years; teaching and other departmental duties may be added with a maximum of 20%. You will be based in Luleå. Start: by agreement.

For further information, please contact Assistant Professor Sadia Ilyas, (+46)920-49 3905, sadia.ilyas@ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46)920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46)920-49 1721 marika.vesterberg@ltu.se

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this advertisement, the Swedish version shall prevail.

Application

We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking the application button below. The application should include a CV, a personal letter, and copies of verified grades from high school and university. The application, grades, and diplomas should be written in Swedish or English. Please mark your application with the reference number below.

Application deadline: April 30, 2025
Reference number: 1474-2025