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. 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 the latest instruments and a wide range of processing equipment. 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 international research group to work on a new research project, optimization of grinding circuits based on the mineralogical and textural properties of the ore. Comminution of ores is becoming increasingly challenging due to increasingly complex ores that increase the variability of the grindability characteristics of deposits. There are risks of producing too much finely ground material, productivity and resource efficiency requirements are increasing, and downstream processes provide limitations. Innovative concepts involve alternative grinding technologies, selective grinding concepts and staged separation and grinding for early separation of gangue minerals. However, the applicability and efficiency of these concepts depends to a large extent on the characteristics of the ores. The project is a collaboration between Luleå University of Technology and the mining company Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag (LKAB). The aim is to develop and optimize grinding circuits for iron oxide ores of varying quality and mineral associations. The research will focus on process design and analysis with a strong focus on ore characterization. At a later stage, predictive models for fragmentation and free grinding will be developed. Work tasks This PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a researcher, you often work as a neutral party, which provides an excellent opportunity to develop your ability to run complex development projects in close collaboration with colleagues in related projects and with the industrial partner LKAB. You will learn to write scientific papers and present your work at both 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: - Characterization of different ores with respect to grindability, mineralogical and textural properties, and correlation of ore texture and mineralogy with comminution behavior, energy consumption and fine particle production. - Assessment of the limitations of existing installed circuits and quantification of performance variations linked to the composition of the ores, and analysis of the impact on product quality and downstream processes such as flotation and pelletization. - Comparison of the performance of modern grinding technologies with a focus on selective grinding and early separation of gangue. - Development of predictive models linking ore texture to grinding efficiency and free grinding to support the design of future flow sheets. - Scientific writing, data analysis and publication of research results in journals and at conferences and reporting within the project. Qualifications To be eligible, you must have a Master's degree (120 ECTS) 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 and numerical skills. You must have a good knowledge of English, both spoken and written. Knowledge of the Swedish language is considered a strong merit. For further information on doctoral education in the subject of mineral engineering, see General study plan for doctoral education in mineral engineering at Luleå University of Technology Further 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: Luleå. Access: according to agreement but as soon as possible. For further information, please contact: Assistant Professor Mehdi Parian, 0920-49 2556, mehdi.parian@ltu.se Senior Lecturer Cecilia Lund, 0920-49 2332, cecilia.lund@ltu.se Professor Jan Rosenkranz, 0920-49 2183, jan.rosenkranz@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: February 8, 2026 Reference number: 375-2026