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. The research subject Process Metallurgy at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering is looking for a PhD student to join our research focusing on hydrometallurgical extraction of Li from primary and secondary raw materials with the aim of producing active battery materials. Subject description Process metallurgy covers sustainable extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials based on both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. Project description The PhD project is part of the project "Separation and purification of primary and secondary Li for active battery material (Li-PURE)" funded by CAMM-CRM CAMM CRM - Center for Advanced Mining and Metallurgy Critical Raw Materials. Within the PhD project you will work on the development and demonstration of an integrated and resource efficient extraction method for lithium. The work focuses in particular on separation and purification processes for lithium from both primary materials and secondary materials such as spent lithium iron phosphate batteries. The aim is to develop process solutions that can produce battery grade lithium salts and enable value addition of by-products, with particular focus on phosphorus. The project is based on a combination of hydrometallurgical separation techniques such as selective precipitation, ion exchange, electrodialysis and crystallization, configured in flexible process flow schemes. Duties and responsibilities A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will develop your scientific work by publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You will also take compulsory and individually selected 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 To be eligible for the position, you should have a Master's degree in metallurgy, chemical engineering, process engineering, chemistry, or other subjects deemed directly relevant to the position. Good oral and written English language skills are required. To succeed in this four-year project, you will need to be meticulous, a logical thinker and a good problem-solver. Consideration will also be given to good collaboration skills, drive and independence, and how you, through your experience and competence, are judged to have the ability needed to cope with the doctoral program. For further information on specific doctoral training see: curricula for doctoral studies in the Faculty of Engineering Information about the 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 is 2026-09-01 or as agreed. For further information, you are welcome to contact: Lena Sundqvist-Öqvist, Professor, 0920-49 2045, lena.sundqvist-oqvist@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 19, 2026 Reference number: 2032-2026