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. Take the chance to do your PhD in a dynamic, international research environment in close collaboration with industry and leading universities worldwide. We are looking for a PhD student in Process Metallurgy who will conduct research studies in iron oxide reduction and carburization using alternative hydrogen carriers. We "process metallurgy" conduct research and education in the subject areas of iron and steel metallurgy, base metallurgy, hydrometallurgy and recycling of minerals and metals from residual products and end-of-life products. The department has access to well-equipped laboratories for hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical studies, material characterization and thermodynamics. Subject description Process metallurgy covers the sustainable extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials based on both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. Project description A promising strategy to achieve zero net CO2 emissions is to replace fossil coal with green hydrogen. Sweden is leading several initiatives to implement this transition. However, challenges remain; replacing fossil coal with hydrogen results in solid iron lacking the necessary carbon content for refining and steelmaking, requiring additional carbon for a viable steelmaking process. In addition, potential hydrogen shortages pose practical difficulties, making the use of alternative hydrogen carriers an attractive solution. This project aims to address these challenges by simultaneously introducing fossil-free carbon into hydrogen-reduced iron. It will also explore the use of alternative hydrogen carriers. The project will be based on laboratory-scale experimental work, characterization of materials, theoretical calculations with thermodynamic and kinetic modelling tools, and mapping of materials and methods via literature and communication with experienced engineers and scientists in industry and research organizations. The project will be run in close collaboration with industry and senior researchers and PhD students from both industry and academia may participate in the project. Work tasks You will be expected to carry out both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies and to communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. The majority of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. In addition, you may have the opportunity to try out a teaching role. As a researcher, you will work as a neutral party in many contexts, giving you ample opportunities to engage in challenging development projects. The research will include experimental work in the form of high-temperature lab-scale experiments, thermodynamic calculations and characterization of materials using various analytical equipment including thermal analysis, XRD, SEM, LOM, etc. The PhD studies are full-time and mainly performed at Luleå University of Technology in Luleå, but experiments/investigations at industrial partners may also be included. Qualifications Applicants must have an MSc in Chemical Engineering, Sustainable Process Engineering, Engineering Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Metallurgy or comparable. Knowledge of metallurgical processes and mineral processing, experience in experimental work at high temperatures, and knowledge of reaction kinetics and thermodynamic modeling are desirable. As much of the work will be carried out in close collaboration with other researchers and industrial partners, taking into account practical conditions, the ability to work in large groups is an important asset. Applicants must have a good command of written and spoken English. For further information on a specific subject see; Technical Field of Science General Curricula Information about the program Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other institutional tasks can be added with a maximum of 20%. For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Hesham Ahmed, +46 920 491309, hesham.ahmed@ltu.se, Associate Professor Charlotte Andersson +46 920 493682, charlotte.andersson@ltu.se Trade union representative: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46)920-49 1721 marika.vesterberg@ltu.se How to apply We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, attaching 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. Application deadline: July 31, 2025 Reference number: 2538-2025