PhD Position in Process Metallurgy

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 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 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 that are in demand. We hope you want to help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

Research Subject

The Process Metallurgy subject at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering is seeking two PhD candidates within the framework of the Graduate School for Excellence in Materials Science for Cement-Based Materials (RECEM), funded by the Swedish Research Council.

Subject Description

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

About the Graduate School for Excellence in Materials Science for Cement-Based Materials (RECEM)

The Graduate School for Excellence in Materials Science for Cement-Based Materials (RECEM) focuses on materials science throughout the entire value chain for cement-based materials, including raw material extraction, slag recycling, and innovation in low carbon cement. The graduate school will have a total of 14 PhD candidates participating in courses and activities at Umeå University, Luleå University of Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, and the MAX IV Laboratory synchrotron at Lund University. The graduate school is funded by the Swedish Research Council and coordinated by Umeå University.

The PhD candidates at Luleå University of Technology will belong to the Process Metallurgy research group, which actively researches the use of slag as a substitute material for cement clinker. The PhD candidates will be admitted to the doctoral education in Process Metallurgy. In addition to the resources of the research group, the PhD candidates will utilize various experimental platforms within LUMIA (LUMIA - Luleå Material Imaging and Analysis) and national research infrastructures through MAX IV Laboratory, SciLifeLab, ARTEMI, and InfraVis.

Project Description

The PhD projects address central questions within cement-based materials with a focus on alternative binders and reduced climate impact. The research includes how metallurgical slags affect reactivity, binding of trace elements, and environmental properties, as well as how pretreatment and activation methods influence the materials' functionality. The studies will be conducted using advanced analytical techniques in laboratory environments and at large-scale research infrastructure.

Job Responsibilities

A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD candidate, you will develop in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You will also take mandatory and elective PhD courses. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to try out a teaching role. As a researcher, you will work as a neutral party in many contexts, providing a fantastic opportunity to learn to drive challenging development projects.

Qualifications

To be admitted to doctoral education, you must have basic eligibility through a completed degree at the advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (hp), of which at least 60 hp at the advanced level, or in some other way within or outside the country acquired substantially equivalent knowledge. You should have a degree in metallurgy, chemical engineering, process engineering, or other subjects deemed directly relevant to the current focus.

Good oral and written skills in English are required. To succeed in this four-year project, you as a person must be meticulous, have logical thinking, and good problem-solving skills.

Consideration will also be given to good collaboration skills, drive, and independence, as well as how your experience and skills are assessed to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral education.

For further information about specific doctoral education, see the study plans for doctoral education within the Faculty of Technology.

Information

The employment as a PhD candidate is time-limited for 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full-time. The place of employment is Luleå. The intended start date is 2026-09-01 or by agreement.

For further information, please feel free to contact:
Fredrik Engström, Professor and Subject Representative, 0920-49 1388, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Anton Andersson, University Lecturer, 0920-49 3409, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Union Representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a personal letter and CV/resume and 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: 2026-02-29
Reference number: LTU-1325-2026