In the subject of Process Metallurgy at Luleå University of Technology (LTU), we are looking for a postdoc in sustainable metal recycling-hydrometallurgy and circular economy. The postdoc position will be part of research projects related to hydrometallurgical processing of critical, rare and strategic metals from different resources.
Young researchers recruited to the WISE program will be part of the WISE Research School https://wise-materials.org/research-school/ an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits and other activities to promote a strong multidisciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers and industry.
The project is carried out in collaboration between LTU and the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE), funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. This collaboration aims primarily to conduct materials science research at the international research front to enable sustainable technologies with positive societal impact and to educate and develop future leaders in society, industry and academia.
Description of subject
Process metallurgy covers the sustainable extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials based on both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods.
Project description
The project is linked to hydrometallurgical methods for the circular leading towards sustainability in the extraction and recycling of rare and strategic metals. As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will play a central role in achieving the research objectives by developing new extraction routes and process flows with integrated hydrometallurgical techniques, while minimizing carbon emissions and use of hazardous chemicals. The aim is to produce highly efficient and high purity metals/compounds needed for green transition applications. The technology and concepts will have applications in industrial production and be validated at pilot scale. In addition, fundamental studies will require understanding of the mass transfer phenomena, reaction kinetics and the influencing role of different parameters as well as the thermodynamics involved in hydrometallurgical processes. Balancing environmental impact using life cycle analysis and assessing the sustainability of the process within circular economy is highly desirable for this project.
This recruitment is linked to WISE (https://wise-materials.org/), funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, which represents the largest ever investment in materials science in Sweden and which over 10 years will include major efforts at the country's top universities. With the vision of a sustainable future through materials science, all early-stage researchers recruited to the WISE program will be part of the WISE Research School (https://wise-materials.org/research-school/), an ambitious national program of seminars, courses, research visits and other activities to foster a strong interdisciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers and industry.
Duties
Scientific research and education. As a Postdoc you are expected to independently perform experimental and theoretical work within the specified research questions, report the results, instruct PhD students, assist with project management and take responsibility for funding applications within the group's focus areas. The research will mainly be performed at LTU in Luleå, but experiments/trials with industrial partners may also be included.
Qualifications
For this position, a PhD or equivalent foreign degree in Process Metallurgy, Metal Recycling, Chemical Engineering, Hydrometallurgy or a related field is required.
Candidates are expected to have good experience in hydrometallurgical unit operations as well as experience in recovery and reuse of primary metals, especially focusing on critical, strategic and rare earth metals. Practical experience in scale-up of hydrometallurgical processes as well as analytical skills in XRD, SEM, ICP, FT-IR, NMR and others are highly desirable. As the focus is on a low carbon circular economy for metal recycling for industrial use, the ability to evaluate the sustainability of the process using life cycle analysis is an added advantage. The applicant should have a good publication list and be fluent in written and spoken English.
Information
This position is a full-time position for two years with the possibility of extension for 1 year. Place of employment Luleå. Access according to agreement.
For further information, you are welcome to contact Bitr. Professor Sadia Ilyas, (+46)920-49 3905, mailto:sadia.ilyas@ltu.se
Union representative:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, (+46)920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46)920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se
Application
We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a cover letter, CV with contact details of two references and copies of verified diplomas. Please indicate the reference number below in your application. Your application, including diplomas, should be written in English or Swedish.
Date for application: May 17, 2026
Reference number: 2382-2026