Biotransformation and bioremediation in mining environments Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly 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 SEK 2.3 billion. We have more than 1,800 employees and almost 21,600 students. Within the research subject Applied Geochemistry at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering at Luleå University of Technology (LTU), we are looking for a PhD student for the Graduate School BioGeoMetals, funded by the Swedish Research Council. The project is carried out in close collaboration with the Swedish mining industry and the Center of Advanced Mining and Metallurgy (CAMM) and provides the opportunity to study in a dynamic, international research environment in collaboration with leading universities worldwide. Applied Geochemistry at LTU focuses on the occurrence and mobility of elements and the geochemical processes that occur in rock, soil and water at the earth's surface. The research covers natural and anthropogenic sources as well as the processes that control the transport and transformation of elements in the interaction between 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 addresses 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 aim of contributing to a long-term sustainable society. Subject description Applied geochemistry includes studies of the occurrence and mobility of elements in rock, soil and water, with a focus on methods to prevent or reduce environmental effects from metal extraction and community construction. About the Graduate School - BioGeoMetals The position is part of the Swedish Research Council-funded graduate school in mining and mineral research, BioGeoMetals. The graduate school is a collaboration between Linnaeus University (coordinating university), 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 research school addresses mobilization and recovery of critical raw materials from waste rock, tailings, groundwater and surface water, as well as bioremediation of impacted mining areas. Through interdisciplinary graduate education, joint courses and close collaboration with industry and authorities, the graduate 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 bioremediation and biotransformation in mining environments (e.g. tailings, mine water and waste rock), focusing on biological systems controlling the mobility and immobilization of metals and metalloids. The processes will be identified and characterized, and the results will serve as a basis for the development of biologically based remediation systems for mining environments. The work will include: - Laboratory and field investigations - Water chemistry characterization - Mineralogical characterization - Investigation of microbial communities - Development of biologically based post-treatment systems Work tasks As a PhD student you will: - Conduct field sampling of water and solid material - Perform laboratory-based geochemical and mineralogical analyses - Design and evaluate bioremediation systems - Integrate and interpret multidisciplinary 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. You should have: - Master's degree in geology, geochemistry, environmental geoscience or related field - Good oral and written communication skills in English - B driving license Merits are: - Experience with analytical techniques such as ICP-MS, XRD, SEM-EDS or similar instruments - Experience in field work, such as water sampling or geological investigations Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as analytical ability, independence, good collaboration skills and motivation for research. For further information on specific doctoral training see curricula for doctoral studies in the Faculty of Engineering Information on the PhD program Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties can be added up to 20% of full time. Place of employment is Luleå. Access takes place in the fall of 2026 or by agreement. For further information, please contact Thomas Aiglsperger, +46 920-49 1016, thomas.aiglsperger@ltu.se, or Oscar Paulsson, oscar.paulsson@ltu.se Trade union representative: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, +46 920-49 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: April 1, 2026 Reference number: 2257-2026