PhD student in ore geology
Luleå, Sverige
Type of Employment Full-time
Job position PhD student
Work model On location
Application due date 24 March 2026
Are you the one?
Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly with world-leading expertise in several research areas. 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 an annual turnover of over SEK 2.3 billion. We have more than 1,800 employees and almost 21,600 students.The Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering is one of Europe's leading academic environments for mining and raw material-related research. The subject Ore Geology conducts research on ore-forming processes, mineral systems and critical raw materials in close collaboration with industry, authorities and international universities. You will be part of a dynamic and international research environment with strong links to ongoing initiatives in critical raw materials. Subject description Ore geology encompasses the use, behavior, occurrence and mode of formation of naturally occurring economic concentrations of metallic raw materials. The research aims to describe the geological conditions that lead to mineable concentrations of minerals, and how these minerals can be used for sustainable societal development Project description The position is linked to the research project CYCLiCAL - Crustal cycling of lithium during orogenesis, funded by CAMM-CRM at LTU. Central and northern Sweden hosts several lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatite occurrences within Paleoproterozoic surface rocks. The project aims to investigate how lithium has circulated and enriched in the crust during different stages of the Svecokarelian orogeny (2.0-1.8 Ga). The focus is on quantifying the role of sedimentary protoliths, metamorphic rocks and granites in the enrichment of lithium and other lithophile elements (e.g. Be, Sn, Ta), ultimately leading to the formation of LCT pegmatites during late orogenic stages. The project provides the opportunity to work in a research team with national and international collaborators and to contribute to a better understanding of lithium geochemical cycles, pegmatite petrogenesis and genetic links between S-type granites and LCT pegmatites. The project includes, among other things - Geological and structural geological mapping and sampling - Characterization of rocks and minerals by microanalytical methods (SEM-EDS/WDS, EMPA, Micro-XRF, LIBS, LA-ICPMS, SIMS) - Targeted geochronological studies (e.g. U-Pb SIMS and LA-ICPMS) - Integration of results with regional geological and geochemical datasets Duties and responsibilities A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work by publishing scientific articles in international journals and presentations at national and international conferences. You will also take compulsory and elective postgraduate courses. Teaching and other departmental duties may be included up to 20%. Within this project you will: - Plan, organize and implement independent field campaigns including logistics and security - Carry out systematic geological and structural geological mapping and representative sampling - Integrate field data into regional geological and geochemical models - Sample preparation and microanalytical investigations - Perform geochemical and isotopic analyses of key minerals - Contribute to multidisciplinary data integration between geological, geochemical, geochronological and geophysical datasets Fieldwork will be conducted in sparsely populated areas in central and northern Sweden, often in varying terrain and climate. Ability and willingness to work outdoors for extended periods in subarctic conditions is therefore necessary. Qualifications A Master's degree (or equivalent) in Earth Sciences with a specialization in economic geology, geochemistry or related field is required. A proven track record in one or more of the following areas would be an advantage - Sedimentology including - Geochronology - Metamorphic petrology including PT modeling - Igneous petrology with focus on granites and granitic pegmatites - In situ characterization and geochemical analysis of key minerals (major and trace elements, isotope signatures, geochronology) Experience of working in Precambrian crystalline environments is an advantage. Experience of geological fieldwork in Sweden or similar subarctic environments is an advantage. Requirements: - B-driving license - Good ability to express yourself in speech and writing in English - Ability to work independently and take responsibility for planning and implementation We are looking for a motivated, analytical and proactive person who enjoys both field work and detailed laboratory analysis. For further information on specific PhD programs and in Ore Geology see: Curricula for PhD programs in the Faculty of Engineering Information on the PhD program Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years. Teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full-time. Location: Luleå Planned start date: June 2026 For further information, you are welcome to contact: Dr. Edward Lynch, Project Manager 0920-49 2333 edward.lynch@ltu.se Dr. Joel Andersson 0920-49 3549 joel.bh.andersson@ltu.se Associate Professor Nils Jansson 0920-49 1487 nils.jansson@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: March 24, 2026 Reference number: 2060-2026