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. In line with the green transition and with a view to sustainable supply of critical raw materials, our research in mineral engineering consists of three pillars: material characterization (mineralogical and particle analyses), unit operations (such as comminution and separation processes) and systems engineering approaches (modelling and simulation, geometallurgy). Experimental work (on ore and mineral processing) is carried out in our well-equipped mineral engineering laboratory with access to state-of-the-art instruments and a wide range of process equipment. In undergraduate education, we contribute to engineering programs such as Sustainable Process and Chemical Engineering, Earth Sciences Resources and Arctic Mineral Resources. Subject description Mineral Engineering deals with unit operations and processes for the preparation of solid, particulate materials, primarily ore minerals, industrial minerals and solid fuels, but also residues, recycled materials and products from the process industry. Project description We are looking for a PhD student in mineral engineering. As a PhD student, you will be part of an established research group operating in a dynamic, international research environment to work on a new research project, enrichment of graphite ores. Graphite is an important raw material for the green transition and serves as the dominant anode material in many types of rechargeable batteries. Northern Sweden has several significant graphite deposits that together will form the basis of Europe's emerging graphite value chain. The project aims to develop and optimize separation and purification strategies for graphite ores of varying quality and mineral associations. The research will focus on enrichment process design, including gravity separation, flotation using biodegradable reagents and nanobubbles, and selective leaching to remove impurities. At a later stage, the project will explore purification methods for sustainable upgrading of graphite concentrates into battery-grade products. Particular attention will be paid to understanding how mineralogical and textural properties of graphite ores affect process performance and separation efficiency. Duties and responsibilities This PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a researcher, you will work as a neutral party in many contexts, providing a great opportunity to learn how to run challenging development projects while collaborating with colleagues in related projects and with industrial partners. You will learn how to write scientific papers and present your work at national and international conferences. Furthermore, you will take both compulsory and elective PhD courses and be part of the department's graduate school. The project involves the following activities: - Lab-scale testing of enrichment processes, including froth flotation, and purification methods. - Characterization of raw materials and products using mineralogical and microanalytical techniques (e.g. Raman spectroscopy, SEM, XRD). - Investigation and evaluation of the influence of mineralogical and textural parameters on separation and purification efficiency. - Scientific writing, data analysis and publication of results in journals and at conferences and reporting within the project. Qualifications To be eligible, you must have a Master's degree in Mineral Engineering, Natural Resources Engineering or equivalent. You are expected to have a solid education in mineral engineering (theoretical knowledge and experimental experience in different enrichment methods) and mineralogical characterization. You must have a good knowledge of English, both spoken and written. For further information on doctoral education in the subject of mineral engineering see General syllabus for doctoral studies in Mineral Processing at Luleå University of Technology Further information 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: Luleå. Access: according to agreement but as soon as possible. For further information, please contact: Professor Saeed Chelgani, 0920-49 1494, saeed.chelgani@ltu.se Professor Jan Rosenkranz, 0920-49 2183, jan.rosenkranz@ltu.se Assistant Professor Mehdi Parian 0920-49 2556, mehdi.parian@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: 2026-01-11 Reference number: 6067-2025