PhD Student in Applied Geochemistry

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. 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 SEK 2 billion per year. We currently have 1,500 employees and 17,900 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

Humans are today a significant geological factor that affects the Earth on a local, regional and global scale. Concerns about man's impact on the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere, as well as potential toxic effects on the biosphere, have actualized the need for environmental geochemistry. Research and education in environmental geochemistry relates to environmental issues linked to the mining industry, infrastructure construction and community building, hydropower development, forestry, acid sulfate soils and sulfide-bearing rocks. In environmental forensics, we use isotopes, multi-element analyses and mineral identification to trace pollution sources, mobility and geochemical processes in both natural and affected systems.

As a PhD student, you will have the opportunity to benefit from the excellent laboratory structure and state-of-the-art analysis methods. For our group, Applied Geochemistry, we are looking for a PhD student to understand element mobility in contaminated systems and the development of bioremediation techniques.

Subject Description

Applied Geochemistry comprises studies into the occurrence and mobility of the chemical elements in the environment, with a particular focus on methods to prevent or reduce the environmental impact of mining.

Project Description

Anthropogenic activities often lead to the release of heavy metals and other critical elements into surrounding environments, where their mobility poses significant risks to water quality, ecosystems, and human health. Understanding and mitigating these impacts is essential for a sustainable society. This project focuses on the mobility and transport of trace and rare earth elements in impacted environments, emphasizing their interactions with hydrological and mineralogical systems. The mobility of critical raw materials is not yet well understood. Therefore, combining mineralogical and geochemical analysis in a geo-forensic approach will improve our understanding. By integrating geochemistry and bioremediation techniques, the project aims to develop innovative, passive water treatment solutions by reusing waste materials. Microalgae are highly effective in absorbing heavy metals and can be stimulated using recycled bioashes, enhancing their growth and metal uptake efficiency. The system will complement traditional water treatment methods, offering a sustainable approach to reducing contamination, recovering valuable metals, and improving water quality in affected areas. This research provides critical insights into element mobility and presents a scalable, eco-friendly solution for mitigating environmental impacts.

Duties

A doctoral position involves both theoretical and practical scientific work in accordance with an individual study plan. As a doctoral student you will be a part of a research group where scientific work is carried out in collaboration. This includes collecting and analyzing data under supervision and writing scientific articles. It also means completing postgraduate training courses and being involved in the postgraduate school and the department's seminar activities. Furthermore, you will present the research nationally and internationally. The doctoral employment may also include institutional service.

Qualifications

You are qualified to apply for this position if you have a civil engineering degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a civil engineering degree in natural resource engineering, geoscience, geochemistry or a similar focus area. Experience in biogeochemistry and mining engineering is a plus for the position. The applicant must have good cooperation skills and oral and written communication skills in English.

For further information about a specific subject see General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and technology (General%20syllabus%20for%20the%20Board%20of%20the%20faculty%20of%20science%20and%20technology).

Further Information

Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years; teaching and other department duties may be added with a 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: as soon as possible or upon agreement.

For further information about the position, please contact Sarah Conrad, Senior Lecturer, (+46) 920-49 3478, [email protected]

Union Representatives:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, (+46) 920-49 2037, [email protected]
OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46) 920-49 1792, [email protected]

In the case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the English 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.

Closing date for applications: 29 January 2025
Reference number: 5324-2024