PhD Candidate in Ore Geology

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. 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 over 2.3 billion SEK. We have more than 1,800 employees and nearly 21,600 students.

The Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering is one of Europe’s leading academic environments for mining and raw materials-related research. In the field of ore geology, research is conducted on ore-forming processes, mineral systems, and critical raw materials in close cooperation with industry, authorities, and international universities. You will be part of a dynamic and international research environment with strong connections to ongoing initiatives in critical raw materials.

Subject Description

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

Project Description

The position is linked to the research project CYCLiCAL – Crustal cycling of lithium during orogenesis, funded through CAMM-CRM at LTU.

Central and northern Sweden hosts several lithium–cesium–tantalum (LCT) pegmatite occurrences within Paleoproterozoic surface rocks. The project aims to investigate how lithium has circulated and enriched in the crust during different stages of the Svecofennian orogeny (2.0–1.8 Ga). The focus is on quantifying the role of sedimentary protoliths, metamorphic rocks, and granites in the enrichment of lithium and other lithophile elements (e.g., Be, Sn, Ta), which ultimately led to the formation of LCT pegmatites during late orogenic stages.

The project provides an opportunity to work in a research team with national and international partners and to contribute to an increased understanding of lithium's geochemical cycling, pegmatite petrogenesis, and genetic relationships between S-type granites and LCT pegmatites.

The project includes:

• Geological and structural geological mapping and sampling
• Characterization of rocks and minerals using microanalytical methods (SEM-EDS/WDS, EMPA, Micro-XRF, LIBS, LA-ICPMS, SIMS)
• Targeted geochronological studies (e.g., U-Pb SIMS and LA-ICPMS)
• Integration of results with regional geological and geochemical datasets

Job Responsibilities

A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD candidate, you will be trained in scientific work through publishing scientific articles in international journals and presenting at national and international conferences. You will also take mandatory and elective graduate courses. Teaching and other departmental duties may be included up to 20%.

Within this project, you will:

• Plan, organize, and conduct independent field campaigns including logistics and safety
• Perform systematic geological and structural geological mapping and representative sampling
• Integrate field data into regional geological and geochemical models
• Sample preparation and microanalytical investigations
• Conduct geochemical and isotopic analyses of key minerals
• Contribute to multidisciplinary data integration between geological, geochemical, geochronological, and geophysical datasets

Fieldwork will be conducted in sparsely populated areas of central and northern Sweden, often in varying terrain and climate. Therefore, the ability and willingness to work outdoors for extended periods in subarctic conditions are necessary.

Qualifications

To be eligible, a master's degree (or equivalent) in geoscience with a focus on economic geology, geochemistry, or a related field is required.

It is advantageous if you have documented knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

• Sedimentology including
• Geochronology
• Metamorphic petrology including PT modeling
• Igneous petrology focusing on granites and granitic pegmatites
• In situ characterization and geochemical analysis of key minerals (major and trace elements, isotopic signatures, geochronology)

Experience working in Precambrian crystalline environments is advantageous. Experience in geological fieldwork in Sweden or similar subarctic environments is a plus.

Requirements:

• Driver's license (B)
• Good ability to express oneself in spoken and written English
• Able to work independently and take responsibility for planning and execution

We are looking for a motivated, analytical, and proactive person who enjoys both fieldwork and detailed laboratory analysis.

Information

The employment as a PhD candidate is limited to 4 years. Teaching and other departmental duties may be included up to 20% of full-time.
Location: Luleå
Planned start: June 2026

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Edward Lynch, project leader
0920-49 2333
[email protected]

Dr. Joel Andersson
0920-49 3549
[email protected]

Docent Nils Jansson
0920-49 1487
[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, attaching a personal letter and CV/resume along with copies of verified degree certificates. Please label your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates should be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: March 24, 2026
Reference number: 2060-2026