Microbiology in Geochemical Exploration

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

In 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 BioGeoMetals Graduate School, 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.

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 or reduce environmental impacts 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 how microbiology can be used in geochemical exploration to identify ore deposits. Characterization of solids, fluids 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 successful candidate will be part of a strong collaboration within the School of Mines. Advanced analytical techniques will be used to characterize solid phases and fluids in both laboratory and field investigations.

The work will include:

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

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 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 ability to express yourself orally and in writing in English
• B driving license

More meritorious is:

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

Strong emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as analytical ability, independence, good teamwork skills and motivation for research.

For further information about specific doctoral education see

http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd

Information

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

Union representative

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a cover letter as well as CV/resume and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both application and diplomas should be written in Swedish or English.

Date for application: June 11, 2026

Reference number: 3414-2026