Vacant job

Microbiology in Geochemical Exploration

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a PhD student here, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong and international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and good funding opportunities. You are offered a secure position, high-quality supervision, and room to grow, both as a researcher and as an individual.

Within the research subject of applied geochemistry at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering at Luleå University of Technology (LTU), we are seeking a PhD student for the BioGeoMetals Doctoral School, funded by the Swedish Research Council. The project is carried out in close collaboration with the Swedish mining industry and the Centre of Advanced Mining and Metallurgy (CAMM), offering the opportunity to study in a dynamic, international research environment in cooperation with leading universities worldwide. Applied geochemistry at LTU focuses on the occurrence and mobility of elements, as well as the geochemical processes occurring in rock, soil, and water at the Earth's surface. The research covers natural and anthropogenic sources, as well as the processes controlling the transport and transformation of substances in the interaction between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. This is achieved by combining analytical chemistry, isotope geochemistry, environmental forensics, and environmental mineralogy. Research and education in the subject address environmental issues related to the mining industry, infrastructure construction, acid sulfate soils, and sulfide-bearing rocks. The research group has a strong experimental and applied profile, with well-equipped laboratories and extensive collaborations with industry and the public sector, all with the goal of contributing to a long-term sustainable society.

Subject Description

Applied geochemistry involves studies of the occurrence and mobility of elements in rock, soil, and water, with a focus on methods to prevent or mitigate environmental impacts from metal extraction and societal development.

About the Doctoral School – BioGeoMetals

The position is part of the BioGeoMetals doctoral school in mining and mineral research, funded by the Swedish Research Council. The doctoral school is a collaboration between Linnaeus University (coordinating institution), Luleå University of Technology (LTU), and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. BioGeoMetals focuses on biogeochemical and hydrogeochemical approaches for sustainable metal extraction and environmental management in mining environments. The doctoral school addresses the mobilization and recovery of critical raw materials from waste rock, tailings, groundwater, and surface water, as well as bioremediation of affected mining areas. Through interdisciplinary doctoral education, joint courses, and close collaboration with industry and authorities, the doctoral school aims to train the next generation of researchers who contribute to sustainable mining and responsible resource management in Sweden and internationally.

Project Description

The project will investigate how microbiology can be used in geochemical exploration to identify ore deposits. Characterization of solid materials, liquids, and microorganisms in mining environments (e.g., tailings, mine water, and waste rock) will form the basis for subsequent exploration studies in brownfield and greenfield areas. The selected candidate will be part of a strong collaboration within the mining school. Advanced analytical techniques will be used to characterize solid phases and liquids in both laboratory and field investigations.

The work will include:

• Laboratory and field investigations
• Characterization of water chemistry
• Mineralogical characterization
• Investigation of microbial communities
• Development of exploration methods

Job Duties

As a PhD student, you will:

• Conduct field sampling of water and solid materials
• Perform laboratory-based geochemical and mineralogical analyses
• Develop and evaluate microbiological methods for exploration
• Integrate and interpret interdisciplinary data
• Publish results in scientific journals
• Present results at national and international conferences

Qualifications

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a strong interest in geochemistry, field and laboratory work, microbiology, and sustainable mining operations.

You must have:

• A Master's degree in geology, geochemistry, environmental geoscience, or a related field
• Good proficiency in spoken and written English
• A valid driver's license (Category B)

Meritorious qualifications include:

• Experience with analytical techniques such as ICP-MS, XRD, SEM-EDS, or similar instruments
• Experience with field work, such as water sampling or geological surveys

Great importance will be attached to personal qualities such as analytical ability, independence, good teamwork skills, and motivation for research.

For further information about the specific doctoral education, see http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd (http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd)

Information

The PhD position is fixed-term for 4 years. Teaching and other institutional duties may be added up to 20% of full-time. The workplace is in Luleå. The start date is autumn 2026 or as agreed.

For further information, please contact Thomas Aiglsperger, +46 920-49 1016, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), or Oscar Paulsson, [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, attaching a cover letter, CV/resume, and copies of verified degree certificates. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: June 11, 2026

Reference number: 3414-2026