Postdoctoral Researcher in Ore Geology

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, and from the Arctic region, we create global societal benefits. 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 an annual turnover of nearly 2.1 billion SEK. 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 have a wide range of educational programs to match the skills in demand. We hope you will help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

Luleå University of Technology is one of the leading universities in Europe in mining engineering and metallurgy. The university conducts research across the entire mining value chain - from exploration, extraction, mineral technology, and metallurgy to waste management and reclamation after mining. The research is conducted by leading researchers from traditional mining engineering subjects such as ore geology, geophysics, rock mechanics, rock engineering, geotechnics, mineral technology, process metallurgy, and applied geochemistry, as well as researchers from fields such as chemistry, industrial production environment, operation and maintenance engineering, fluid mechanics, and economics.

For continued positive development at LTU, the Department of Civil Engineering and Natural Resources (SBN) sees a need to expand the senior staff in the field of ore geology. We are therefore recruiting a postdoctoral researcher with a particular focus on understanding the geological factors that control the distribution and remobilization of critical raw materials (CRM) such as Ga, Ge, In, Sb, Bi, and Co in base metal ores. The position includes 1) development of geological and geometallurgical models to better understand and map the distribution of trace elements in sphalerite and chalcopyrite-bearing ores, 2) investigation of how metamorphism and hydrothermal processes affect the remobilization of trace elements, and 3) integration of this knowledge into models for enrichment performance, by-product recovery, and environmental management.

The postdoctoral researcher will operate within CAMM-CRM, a national research initiative at Luleå University of Technology focused on ensuring sustainable supplies of critical raw materials for the green and digital transition. CAMM-CRM unites expertise in geoscience, mineral technology, metallurgy, and recycling to address challenges along the entire value chain, and offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment that connects academic excellence with industrial and international collaboration.

Subject Description

Ore geology encompasses the use, behavior, occurrence, and formation of naturally occurring economic concentrations of metallic raw materials. The research aims to describe the geological conditions that lead to mineable concentrations of minerals and how these minerals can be utilized for sustainable societal development.

Job Responsibilities

The holder of the position will primarily conduct research and, to a lesser extent, educational assignments in ore geology. In addition to research work, the candidate is expected to participate in the department's ongoing efforts to create new research projects, supervise students and doctoral candidates, and develop our educational programs.

Qualifications

To be eligible for employment, a PhD or equivalent foreign degree in geoscience is required. It is advantageous if the degree was obtained no more than three years before the application deadline for the position. If there are special reasons, candidates who obtained their PhD earlier may also be considered, for example, due to various types of statutory leave.

The following assessment criteria apply for the position:

• Scientific competence
• Certificate of PhD
• Documented scientific works

Other assessment criteria:

• Teaching experience
• Administrative and other skills relevant to the job responsibilities.

Information

This position is a full-time appointment for two years. Work location is Luleå. Expected start date is January 1, 2025.

For further information, please contact Professor Christina Wanhainen, 0920 49 24 01, [email protected]

Union Representatives:

SACO-S Kjell Johansson, 0920-49 1529 [email protected]
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 [email protected]

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, attaching a personal letter and CV/resume along with copies of verified degree certificates. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates should be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: December 5, 2025
Reference number: 4821-2025