with specialization in the extraction of critical raw materials 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 that you will help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future. We are recruiting a PhD student who, together with senior researchers, will conduct research in the area of "Extraction of critical materials." The research will include studies of the interplay between feedstock properties and extraction conditions in the recovery of phosphorus and rare earth elements. The work may include theoretical exploration of chemical systems, characterization, experimental studies of extraction, separation and purification, and evaluation of related environmental aspects. The PhD student will participate in collaborations between Luleå University of Technology and industrial partners. Subject description Process metallurgy covers sustainable extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials based on both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. Project description This research project investigates the role of complexation in the extraction of phosphorus and rare earth elements (REE) from concentrates and ores with varying properties, under different leaching conditions. The study also considers how these factors affect subsequent treatment and recovery steps. By analyzing the interaction between feedstock properties and extraction behavior, the project aims to increase the understanding of how variations in feedstock properties affect extraction conditions. The goal is to develop adaptable extraction strategies. Work tasks A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will conduct experimental studies of, for example, leaching, solution purification and separation, thermodynamic modeling and characterization of materials using, for example, XRD, SEM, LOM and others. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You will also take compulsory and optional doctoral courses. In addition, you may have the opportunity to try out the role of teacher. 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. Qualifications The candidate should have a Master's degree or equivalent in Sustainable Process Engineering with specialization in Mineral Engineering and Metallurgy, Process Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemistry or similar. Knowledge and experience in metallurgical and mineral engineering methods, experimental work at high temperatures and work with acids and bases, characterization of materials with, among other things, XRD, SEM, leaching tests and thermodynamic modeling are meritorious for the PhD position. You should be committed, self-driven and have a clear drive to develop in research. Since the project will be carried out in close collaboration with industrial partners, it is important to be able to take into account practical constraints and to have good collaboration skills in a larger group. The candidate should have a good knowledge of English. For further information on specific doctoral training see curricula for doctoral studies in the Faculty of Engineering Information on the PhD program 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 is Luleå. Intended start date September 2025. For further information, please contact title name, +46 920-492045, lena.sundqvist-oqvist@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: September 1, 2025 Referensnummer:2580-2025