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Project Description

Doctoral Field: Technical Materials Science

The green transition relies on critical and strategic metals, as well as others needed for the production and storage of green energy. This project investigates the recycling of technology metals from overlooked raw material sources to strengthen European independence in the refining of critical raw materials. Since most technology metals require hydrometallurgical unit processes during refining and purification, the project focuses on the hydrometallurgical extraction of target elements. The research focuses on underutilized raw materials, such as unrefined primary resources (e.g., drosses), as well as industrial by-products, dusts, slags, end-of-life products, and concentrate sands.

Challenges associated with new raw materials, as well as fundamental reactions and behaviors in refining processes, are studied using experimental methods such as leaching, solid-liquid separation, and selective precipitation. High-temperature processes may also be investigated if necessary, for example, to increase reaction kinetics. Simultaneously, solutions are analyzed using AAS and ICP, and solid materials using SEM-EDS and XRD, to identify mineralogy, chemistry, and time-dependent behavior.

You will work closely with researchers in Europe, particularly with Aalto University. The role includes material characterization, experimental laboratory work, and critical analysis of scientific literature and experimental data. Collaboration with research and industry partners, as well as travel within Europe, is included.

Supervision: Björn Glaser is proposed as the supervisor for the doctoral candidate. The final decision is made upon admission.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to doctoral studies (Chapter 7, Section 39 of the Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility:

• completed a degree at an advanced level, or
• fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at an advanced level, or
• acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way, within or outside the country.
• A Master's degree in Materials Science and Metallurgy.

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English proficiency equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

To succeed in your doctoral studies at KTH, you need to be goal-oriented and persistent in your work. In the selection of applicants, the ability to:

• independently drive their work forward,
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach, and
• analyze and work with complex issues.
• Knowledge of materials science and metallurgy is appreciated.
• Experimental and computational skills.

After meeting the eligibility requirements, great weight will be placed on personal qualities.

Target Degree: Licentiate Degree

Information on Admission and Employment

Only those admitted to doctoral studies may be employed as doctoral candidates. The total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education over four years. An employed doctoral candidate may, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain work tasks within, for example, education and administration. A new employment as a doctoral candidate is valid for a maximum of one year; thereafter, the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In studies to be concluded with a Licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education over two years.

As a doctoral candidate, you will receive KTH's employment benefits and have a monthly salary according to KTH's agreement for doctoral salaries. Read more about Doctoral Studies at KTH | KTH | Sweden.

Union Representatives

Contact details for union representatives.

Doctoral Student Section (Student Union of the Royal Institute of Technology)

Contact details for the doctoral student section.

Application

You apply via KTH's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are primarily responsible for ensuring your application is complete when submitted.

The application must include the following:

• Copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified.
• CV with relevant professional experience and skills.
• Cover letter with a brief account of why you wish to pursue doctoral studies, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Max 2 pages)
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please attach a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

The application must be received by KTH no later than the last day of application at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Other

For information on the processing of personal data in connection with recruitment.

An employment at KTH may be classified in a security class. If this applies to this specific employment, a security clearance check of the applicant will be conducted in accordance with the Security Protection Act (2018:585) with consent. In these cases, a condition for employment is that the applicant is approved after the security clearance check.

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Become part of KTH

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Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work and develop at KTH.