Licentiate in mining production - drilling, loading and underground transportation
Luleå, Sverige
Type of Employment Full-time
Job position PhD student
Work model On location
Application due date 28 November 2025
Are you the one?
Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social 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 almost SEK 2.1 billion per year. We are currently 1,900 employees and have 18,700 students. In the coming years, billions of kronor will be invested in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in major projects aimed at a more sustainable society nationally as well as globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly topical research projects and the social transformation that follows. We have a wide range of programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you will help us build the sustainable businesses and societies of the future. Luleå University of Technology is one of Europe's leading universities in mining and rock engineering. The university offers a unique opportunity to develop knowledge and research skills in the entire mining chain - from exploration, mining, metal production, to land reclamation after mining operations. We are now looking for a motivated PhD student who can contribute to the science and technology of digitalization and automation and its applications in the mining industry. Subject description Mining and Rock Engineering covers mining engineering, rock engineering and rock mechanics, including rock mass properties, tunneling technology, design and dimensioning of mines and rock facilities, and planning and production processes linked to both mining and infrastructure development. Project description In underground mines, wheel loaders, so-called LHD machines, are most often used to load and transport ore. Today, these machines are advanced with computerized measurement and control systems that can monitor the performance of the machine and also estimate the characteristics of the ore in the bucket. Assessing the fragmentation of the material plays an important role in improving the production system. Visualizing and presenting data-based information to decision makers and operators for active process control in a production environment is also an important part of exploiting the large amount of data collected from production. It is therefore very important that applicants for this position have a keen interest in analysis and modeling based on large data sets. It is also important to have a solid understanding of mining and mining systems in order to also understand the requirements and needs of the end users, when implementing developed technologies in an industrial environment. As a PhD student, you will be involved in research related to mobile machines such as loaders, drilling rigs, bolting rigs, etc. The research deals with, among other things, production systems, mining digitalization and automation, underground mobile machines, data analysis and data filtering of large amounts of data, fragmentation measurements, MWD, etc. Duties and responsibilities You will be expected to perform both theoretical and field work in close collaboration with industrial partners. You will also have the opportunity to present your research results orally and in scientific journals. In addition, you may have the opportunity to teach at the university. We offer interesting, exciting research projects carried out in collaboration with the private and public sectors, as well as a stimulating and dynamic research environment with an extensive national and international network. Qualifications To be eligible for this licentiate position, you must have a master's or civil engineering degree with a rock orientation or similar and have a strong interest in data analysis, or equivalent education and background in relevant subjects. In addition to good grades in relevant subjects from the undergraduate degree, the following selection criteria will be applied: - Good knowledge of the loading process in underground mines and the factors affecting fragmentation. - Good knowledge, skills and interest in advanced data analysis and model development. - Strong knowledge and understanding of fragmentation measurement and QRS. - Proven programming skills in e.g. Matlab, Python. - Excellent problem solving and collaboration skills. - Good knowledge and interest in mining. - Interest and ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multilingual environment. - Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written. For further information on specific PhD programs, please see the curricula for PhD programs in the Faculty of Engineering. Information to be provided Employment as licentiate is limited to 2 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full time. Place of employment is Luleå. Planned start date: December 2025. For further information, please contact Professor Anna Gustafson, anna.gustafson@ltu.se 0920-49 3309 or Professor Håkan Schunnesson, hakan.schunnesson@ltu.se Trade union representative: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 marika.vesterberg@ltu.se How to apply We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a cover letter, CV/resume and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the diplomas must be written in Swedish or English. Deadline for applications: 2025-11-28 Reference number: 3513-2025