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 companies and societies of the future. The Division of Materials Science and Engineering at LTU is looking for PhD students interested in research in steel recycling and alloy design. The position belongs to the research subject Construction Materials and there are several research programs with broad research fields in metallic and ceramic materials (e.g. high strength steels, aerospace materials, refractory materials, intermetallic compounds, porous ceramic materials and materials for energy recovery). Read more here Subject description Materials engineering covers the composition, structure, properties and production of materials, mainly metallic and ceramic materials, and their application aspects. Project description The first steps towards a fossil-free steel value chain have already been taken, and this research project supports the next logical step to reduce the environmental impact of steel production. It is about steel recycling and how the negative effects of impurities from different types of scrap can be countered through smart alloy design. Steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world. Unfortunately, today's recycling usually involves downcycling - that is, the recycled products are of significantly lower quality than the original products. The main objective of this project is to identify and develop methods to avoid downgrading and minimize dependence on primary iron sources. Steel scrap is not a homogeneous material but a very diverse group of materials with large differences in content and properties. In the short term, improved recycling can come, for example, from innovations in the sorting and characterization of scrap so that each steel grade can be recycled as a stand-alone material. Nevertheless, recycled steel is likely to have lower levels of purity and greater variation in chemical composition for a long time to come. The negative effects of impurities are today largely only addressed by dilution with pure iron from primary sources. Anti-alloying, as a concept, is about identifying additives and developing methods to neutralize the impurities without having to remove them. The PhD studies in this project will explore how anti-alloying can be applied to counteract the negative effects of trace elements in steel. The project is a collaboration between Luleå University of Technology (LTU) and the Wallenberg Initiative in Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE), funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. WISE is the largest investment in materials science in Sweden ever and includes major investments at Sweden's leading universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. Read more about WISE on the website Work tasks As a PhD student, you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. A PhD position involves scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and presenting at national and international conferences. A doctoral student also participates in compulsory and optional doctoral courses. Project planning and implementation is also an important part of the doctoral project. In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the teaching activities of the department. Qualifications Suitable background for the position is a Master's or Master of Science degree in Materials Engineering, Process Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics or equivalent. Competence in materials engineering is emphasized. When evaluating, we put special emphasis on: - Knowledge and experience in metallic materials - Communication and collaboration skills - Quality of the master thesis/degree project - Personal qualities relevant to research work We are looking for candidates who can work independently as well as in a team. We appreciate colleagues who drive their own projects and who like to engage with new issues as they arise. You must have very good communication skills and be fluent in English, both spoken and written. Additional knowledge of a Scandinavian language is an asset. We believe that a successful candidate will also have an interest in sustainability, circularity and the role of metals in modern society. A basic understanding of life cycle thinking is an advantage. The applicant should be able to provide two referees upon request. 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. Place of employment is Luleå. Expected to start in the fall of 2025. For further information, please contact Associate Professor Ida T. Kero, 0920-49 38 59, ida.kero@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: May 26, 2025 Reference number: 1746-2025