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. The research subject Process Metallurgy at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering is looking for two PhD students within the framework of the Research School for Excellence in Materials Science for Cementitious Materials (RECEM) which is funded by the Swedish Research Council. Subject description Process metallurgy covers sustainable extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials based on both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. About the Research School for Excellence in Materials Science for Cementitious Materials (RECEM) The Research School for Excellence in Materials Science for Cementitious Materials (RECEM) focuses on materials science across the entire value chain of cementitious materials including raw material extraction, slag recycling and low-carbon cement innovation. In total, the graduate school will have 14 PhD students participating in courses and activities within the graduate school at Umeå University, Luleå University of Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, and the MAX IV Laboratory synchrotron at Lund University. The graduate school is funded by the Swedish Research Council and coordinated by Umeå University. The PhD students at Luleå University of Technology will belong to the research group Process Metallurgy, which actively researches the use of slag as a replacement material for cement clinker. The doctoral students will be admitted to the doctoral program for Process Metallurgy. In addition to the research group's own resources, the doctoral students will use various experimental platforms within LUMIA (LUMIA - Luleå Material Imaging and Analysis) as well as national research infrastructures through MAX IV Laboratory, SciLifeLab, ARTEMI, and InfraVis. Project description The PhD projects address key issues in cement-based materials with a focus on alternative binders and reduced climate impact. The research covers how metallurgical slags affect reactivity, tracer binding and environmental properties, as well as how pretreatment and activation methods control the function of the materials. The studies are carried out using advanced analytical techniques in laboratory settings and at large-scale research infrastructures. 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 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 To be admitted to the doctoral program, you must have basic qualifications through a second-cycle degree, completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at the second-cycle level, or in some other way within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge. You must have a degree in metallurgy, chemical engineering, process engineering, or other subjects deemed directly relevant to the specialization in question. 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 education, see the study plans for doctoral education in the Faculty of Engineering. Information about the PhD program Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may 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: Fredrik Engström, Professor and Head of Subject, 0920-49 1388, fredrik.i.engstrom@ltu.se Anton Andersson, Senior Lecturer, 0920-49 3409, anton.andersson@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. Last day to apply: 2026-02-29 Reference number: LTU-1325-2026