Postdoctoral Researcher in Applied Geochemistry

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and with a focus on 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 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 that are in demand. We hope you want to help us build the sustainable companies and communities of the future.

Applied Geochemistry

At LTU, we focus on the occurrence and mobility of elements as well as geochemical processes occurring in rocks, soil, and water at the Earth's surface. The research encompasses both natural and anthropogenic sources influenced by the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.

The research group has a strong experimental and applied profile, with well-equipped laboratories and extensive collaborations with industry and the public sector, all aimed at building a long-term sustainable society. We are now looking for a hydrogeologist/geochemist to complement our group.

Subject Description

Applied geochemistry includes studies of the occurrence and mobility of elements in rocks, soil, and water, focusing on methods to prevent or reduce environmental impacts from metal extraction and urban development.

Project Description

The extraction of critical raw materials (CRM) is expected to increase across Europe. In Sweden, research is currently focused on the exploration of CRM ores, with particular emphasis on ores containing rare earth elements (REE). Sweden has great potential to establish itself as a global leader in sustainable REE mining. To achieve this, low environmental impact is required to minimize negative effects on surrounding ecosystems. Inefficient process methods and improper handling of mining waste can lead to serious environmental and public health risks. Knowledge about the environmental effects of REE and other CRMs is currently limited.

In collaboration with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, we are now offering a two-year strategic postdoctoral position aimed at evaluating ongoing research on the environmental challenges associated with the ore types currently being investigated in Sweden. The postdoctoral researcher will design a multidisciplinary framework to identify and prioritize CRMs that may pose environmental risks in the country. The framework will consider factors such as mineral occurrence, associated problematic minerals, geochemical behavior, mobility, bioavailability, toxicity, and hydrogeological properties, and will be evaluated according to an assessment methodology developed by the USGS. Particular focus will be placed on REE.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will:

• Evaluate ongoing research on environmental issues related to various CRM ore types, with a particular focus on REE
• Develop a multidisciplinary framework to identify and prioritize CRMs that may pose environmental risks in Sweden, inspired by the USGS assessment model
• Integrate multiple lines of evidence, including data on CRM occurrence, associated problematic minerals, geochemical behavior, bioavailability, toxicity, and hydrogeology
• Apply the developed framework to identify the CRMs that pose the greatest environmental risk and select one ore type for in-depth study
• Investigate the identified CRM in detail to understand its environmental pathways and impact, particularly regarding water quality
• Propose upstream strategies within the mining value chain to minimize or prevent negative effects on downstream environments
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research groups within LTU and partner institutions to coordinate the developed approach with ongoing national and international initiatives
• The project is part of CAMMCRM at LTU, and the postdoctoral researcher is expected to participate in workshops and seminars related to this
• Contribute to teaching and supervision and support courses and student projects in environmental geochemistry and sustainable mining

Qualifications

For employment as a postdoctoral researcher, a PhD or foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a PhD in applied geochemistry, hydrogeology, mineralogy, or a related field is required. A PhD obtained no more than three years before the application deadline is advantageous. Applicants who obtained their PhD earlier may also be considered if special circumstances exist, such as various forms of statutory leave.

Mandatory Qualifications

• Competence in hydrogeology
• Knowledge of geochemical weathering processes
• Experience in water and soil sampling
• Good ability to use data processing programs such as IoGAS or equivalent
• Experience with GIS software such as QGIS or similar
• Knowledge of critical raw materials
• Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written

Desirable Qualifications

• Background in mineralogy
• Understanding of different ore types and rock-forming minerals
• Good knowledge of Swedish, both spoken and written
• Experience with analytical techniques such as SEM, XRD, ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, IRMS

Information

Full-time employment for a fixed term of two years based in Luleå. Start date: April 2026 or by agreement.

For further information about the position, please contact:

University Lecturer Lina Hällström
+46 920-49 35 43
[email protected]

Or

Associate Professor Thomas Aiglsperger
+46 920-49 10 16
[email protected]

Union representative:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 [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, where you attach a personal letter as well as 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.

For the full version of the advertisement, see: Job vacancies | Luleå University of Technology

Application deadline: February 28, 2026
Reference number: 6943-2025