Groundwater geochemistry for the detection of critical metals (CRM) in the Per Geijer mining district 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. The research subject Applied Geochemistry belongs to the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, at Luleå University of Technology (LTU), is looking for a PhD student focusing on the occurrence and mobility of CRM in the Per Geijer mining district in northern Sweden. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with LKAB and the Center for Advanced Mining and Metallurgy (CAMM-SFO) at LTU. The project provides the opportunity to study in a dynamic, international research environment in close collaboration with the mining industry and leading universities worldwide. Applied Geochemistry at LTU focuses on both natural and anthropogenic sources affected by the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. This is achieved by combining analytical chemistry, isotope geochemistry, environmental forensics and environmental mineralogy. Special focus on mobilization of critical metals in the environment. The research group has a strong experimental and applied profile, with well-equipped laboratories and extensive collaborations with industry and the public sector, all aimed at building a long-term, sustainable society. Subject description Applied geochemistry includes the study of the occurrence and mobility of elements in rock, soil and water, with a focus on methods to prevent and mitigate environmental impacts from metal extraction and community construction. Project description The PhD project will focus on the interaction between rock and groundwater geochemistry. Tracing sources of strategic and critical metals in groundwater in the Per Geijer mining district in northern Sweden, as one of Europe's largest known rare earth element (REE) deposits. As mining at Per Geijer has not yet started, the site provides a unique opportunity to establish a geochemical background for groundwater prior to mining and conditions to investigate natural CRM mobilization under undisturbed conditions and the possibility to prevent CRM mobility. The work will combine: multi-element and multi-isotopic analyses of groundwater coupled with mineralogical characterization (µXRF, XRD, SEM-EDS, electron microprobe, LA-ICP-MS). Work tasks A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. Tasks include field sampling of groundwater, sampling of drill cores, laboratory-based geochemical and mineralogical analyses. Integrate and interpret multidisciplinary datasets, publish results in scientific journals and present results at national and international conferences The majority of your working time will be devoted to your PhD research. Teaching and departmental duties may constitute up to 20% of the full-time position. Qualifications We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in hydrogeochemistry, critical metals and sustainable mining. You must possess: - A Master's degree in geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, environmental geoscience or a related field - Good knowledge of water geochemistry - Good oral and written knowledge of English Personal qualities such as analytical skills, independence, collaborative skills and strong motivation for research will be given great importance. Assessment criteria Other assessment criteria (in no particular order): - Experience in mineralogical characterization techniques (e.g. XRD, SEM-EDS, LA-ICP-MS) - Experience in isotope geochemistry - Field experience - Experience in geochemical modeling or statistical data analysis For further information on specific PhD 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 Luleå. Access according to agreement. For further information, please contact Lena Alakangas +46 920-49 1396, Lena.Alakangas@ltu.se or Vimbainashe.Dzimbanhete@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. Application deadline: April 21, 2026 Reference number: 2788-2026