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 geotechnics. The university offers an opportunity to develop knowledge and research skills in cold-location geotechnics frost, frost heave, frost heave, permafrost and snow mechanics, advanced soil mechanics, mechanical properties of sulphide soils, organic soils and tailings, and road and stream geotechnics. Subject description Geotechnical engineering includes soil mechanics, soil materials and foundation engineering, with applications in civil engineering, infrastructure construction, energy and mineral extraction. Project description Knowledge of the mechanical properties of tailings is the basis for all safety and risk analysis related to tailings dams, regardless of their construction method. It is also crucial for further assessments and estimations of the tailings behavior, for example in terms of liquefaction, which can lead to unreasonable design procedures. At Luleå University of Technology (LTU), the mechanical behavior of tailings has been extensively studied for different types of tailings from different ages and locations within different mining sand reservoirs. These studies have focused on tailings deposited in the traditional way and have rarely - possibly with the exception of riparian zones - systematically considered the effects of separation and sedimentation. Therefore, inhomogeneities in a tailings pond are rarely considered, and only areas close to the dams have been considered important for investigating dam safety. The aim of the research is to evaluate variations in the tailings composition in terms of segregation and achieved densities due to changing deposition methods, to investigate the mechanical behavior of deposits placed by different methods, and to assess the risk of liquefaction based on the material properties. Work tasks A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work, such as fieldwork. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work and communication in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You also take compulsory and optional doctoral courses. Most of your working time is devoted to your own research studies. As a researcher, you will work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to learn how to run challenging development projects. As a PhD student, you may have the opportunity to try out the role of teacher. The role may include supervising students and teaching courses that fall under the research subject today and in the future. This is a full-time PhD position directly linked to the described project. Luleå University of Technology offers dedicated support through a qualified supervisory team and a structured PhD training program leading to a PhD in Geotechnics. Active participation in the international research community is strongly encouraged. Qualifications The basic eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are as follows: Applicants must have 1) an advanced degree, 2) completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at advanced level, or 3) equivalent qualifications acquired either nationally or internationally. We are looking for a motivated person who can conduct research independently and in collaboration within our research group. Strong interpersonal skills and a background in geotechnical engineering, foundation engineering or a related field are essential. Applicants with practical experience and/or previous scientific publications are particularly preferred. For further information on specific doctoral programs see: Curricula for doctoral programs in the Faculty of Engineering Information to be provided Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full time. Location Luleå with start according to agreement. For further information, please contact: Professor and Head of Department Jan Laue, 0920-49 1288, jan.laue@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: July 17, 2025 Reference number: 2235-2025