Vacant job

Advanced data mining of computerized mining equipment in underground mines

Do you want to develop your research and teaching in an environment where collaboration with industry and society is a natural part of the work? With us, you will collaborate with dedicated colleagues, have access to modern research infrastructure, and enjoy strong opportunities to attract external funding. You will have the space to make a real difference for your students, your research, and society at large.

Luleå University of Technology is one of Europe’s leading universities in mining and metallurgy. The University offers a unique opportunity for developing comprehensive research skills throughout the mining chain - from exploration, mining, processing and metal production, to recovery after completing mining activities.

Subject description

Mining and Rock Engineering comprises mining technology, rock engineering and rock mechanics, including rock mass properties, design of rock excavations and tunneling as well as planning and production processes related to both mining and civil engineering.

Project description

It is very important that you who apply for this position have a great interest and knowledge in data analysis, filtering and modeling based on large amounts of data. It is important that you have a solid understanding of mining and mining systems to also understand end-user requirements and needs, when implementing developed technologies in an industrial environment.

Today's mining equipment has become more advanced with computerized control systems that have the ability to monitor and measure machine performance. External equipment, such as 3D-scanning, video recordings, bucket weight measurement systems, etc., monitoring production are today commonly used. In modern mines, equipment is also often automated and monitored and controlled from central control rooms. The visualization and presentation of data-based information to management and operators for decision making in a production environment is also a very important part of the utilization of this large amount of data.

This vast logged data can provide detailed knowledge of the properties of the rock mass and extracted material and can thus provide engineers and decision makers with important information for safety and productivity optimization.

For this position, mathematical, analytical and problem-solving skills are essential in order to understand and benefit from this new data-intensive mining environment.

Duties

As a postdoc you will contribute to research, publication and pedagogical activities, and will explore the wide industrial and research contacts of MRE towards future collaborative research projects, both national and international. We offer a stimulating and dynamic research environment with an extensive national and international network along with interesting, exciting research projects conducted in collaboration with the private and public sector.

Qualifications

In order to be eligible for a postdoctoral position you must have a PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD. Your previous education should contain mining engineering or a similar topic that is appropriate for the project description above.

Candidates who have been awarded a doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline will be given precedence. Candidates who have been awarded a doctoral degree at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds, for example, different types of statutory leave of absence.

In addition to a PhD in a relevant subject, the following selection criteria will be used:

- Documented knowledge in Mining Engineering and production optimization.

- Documented mathematical, analytical and problem-solving skills.

- Good knowledge of statistics, AI/ML, and mathematical modeling and programming.

- Good knowledge in academic writing and reviewing scientific publications.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Practical mining-related experience is a plus.

- Interest in and ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multilingual environment.

- Good skills in English speaking and writing. Documented skills, TOEFL-test or similar is a plus.

Further information

Full-time fixed term employment for two years with placement in Luleå, Sweden. Start date as agreed, preferably around October 1, 2026.

For further information about the position, please contact:

Professor Anna Gustafson, (+46) 920-49 3309, [email protected] or

Professor Håkan Schunnesson, [email protected]

Union representatives:

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

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46) 920-49 1721, [email protected]

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish 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: August 15, 2026

Reference number: 3320-2026