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 communities of the future. Luleå University of Technology is one of the leading universities in Europe in mining engineering and metallurgy. The university conducts research in the entire mining value chain - from exploration, mining, mineral engineering and metallurgy to the management of residual products and reclamation after the end of mining. Research is conducted by leading researchers from traditional mining engineering disciplines such as ore geology, geophysics, rock mechanics, rock engineering, geotechnics, mineral engineering, process metallurgy and applied geochemistry, as well as researchers from subjects such as chemistry, industrial production environment, operation and maintenance technology, fluid mechanics and economics. To strengthen research in ore geology and mineralization processes, the Division of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for a new three-year research project focusing on the importance of evaporites in the development of apatite iron ores (Iron Oxide-Apatite, IOA). The position is funded by LKAB's Foundation for Sustainable Transition and is part of an active research environment with strong links to industry, national geological surveys and Nordic universities. Subject description Ore geology encompasses the use, behavior, occurrence and mode of formation of naturally occurring economic concentrations of metallic raw materials. The research aims to describe the geological conditions that lead to mineable concentrations of minerals, as well as how these minerals can be used for sustainable societal development. Project background Apatite iron ores are of central importance for the Swedish mining industry, but several fundamental questions about their formation processes are still unresolved. A characteristic feature of IOA systems is extensive scapolite alteration, the chemical signature of which suggests that evaporites may have played an important role. These evaporite-bearing units may have supplied halogens, sodium, sulphur and strontium, and influenced the oxidation state of fluids - factors of great importance for the mobility of iron and other ore-forming elements. The project aims to systematically investigate: - the distribution and stratigraphic relationships between evaporite-bearing units and IOA mineralization in Norrbotten, - mineralogical, chemical and isotopic signatures (S, O, C, Cl, Sr) of scapolite and associated alteration minerals, - geochemical indicators distinguishing evaporite-affected from magmatic-hydrothermal fluid systems, and - mineralogical and isotopic vectors that can be used in exploration at the deposit, district and regional scale. Comparative fieldwork in Norway and Finland provides an extended regional perspective. Work tasks As a postdoctoral researcher, you will mainly conduct independent research work within the EVAP-IOA project. The tasks include: - Field mapping and sampling of alteration zones and evaporite-bearing lithologies - Petro-graphic studies and mineral-chemical analyses by SEM, EPMA and LA-ICP-MS - Isotopic analyses (S, O, C, Cl, Sr) - Integration of mineralogical, geochemical and stratigraphic data into a coherent genetic and exploration model - Development of new mineralogical and geochemical exploration indicators - Writing scientific papers (2-3 publications) and presentations at international conferences - Participation in the activities of the research group, supervision of graduate students and participation in the initiation of new research projects Some teaching and departmental duties may be included. Qualifications To be eligible for employment, a doctoral degree or equivalent foreign degree in geoscience is required. It is an advantage if the degree was obtained no more than three years before the closing date for applications for the position. If there are special reasons, those who have obtained a doctorate earlier may be considered, for example in the case of various types of statutory leave. The following assessment criteria apply to the post: Scientific excellence - Proven research experience in ore geology, metamorphic geology, geochemistry, mineralogy or related fields - Experience in relevant analytical methods (petrography, EPMA, LA-ICP-MS, isotopes, etc.) - Good publication record in relation to career age Other assessment criteria - Experience in field work, structural analysis or stratigraphy - Experience in teaching or supervision - Ability to work both independently and in multidisciplinary research environments - Very good knowledge of English, both oral and written Information to be provided This position is a full-time position for two years. Place of employment Luleå. Expected to start in spring 2026. For further information, please contact Professor Tobias Bauer, 0920 49 21 50, tobias.bauer@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. Application deadline: January 12, 2026 Reference number: 6733-2025