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. We are more than 1,800 employees and have nearly 21,600 students.Postdoctoral Researcher in Process MetallurgyThe Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering (SBN) at Luleå University of Technology conducts research and education in sustainable societal development, including infrastructure, environmental technology, natural resources and energy systems. More information is available at https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/organisation/institutionen-for-samhallsbyggnad-och-naturresurser.Inom SBN, the Division of Mineral Processing and Metallurgy focuses on sustainable extraction, processing and recycling of minerals and metals.Take the chance to work in a dynamic and international research environment in close collaboration with industry and leading universities worldwide.Description of subjectProcess Metallurgy covers sustainable extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials based on both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. More information is available at https://www.ltu.se/forskning/forskningsamnen/processmetallurgiProject description

You will work within a team working at the forefront of fossil-free steel production, focusing on hydrogen-based reduction of iron ore and its integration into electric arc furnaces (EAF). The project combines advanced modelling and experimental work to understand and optimize reduction behaviour, process efficiency and slag formation.As part of a collaborative project with leading industrial partners and international research actors, you will contribute to the development of the next generation of low-carbon ironmaking processes that support the transition to sustainable steel production. More information about the H2NordSteel project can be found at https://www.ltu.se/forskning/forskningsamnen/processmetallurgi/forskningsprojekt-inom-processmetallurgi/forskningsprojekt/2026-03-11-h2nordsteel---vatebaserad-reduktion-och-bagsmaltning-av-nordiska-jarnmalmer-for-hallbar-staltillverkning.TasksAs a postdoctoral researcher, you are expected to independently carry out both experimental and theoretical work related to hydrogen-based reduction of iron ore, including evaluation and reporting of results.The work includes small-scale laboratory experiments (e.g. low-temperature reduction with hydrogen and integration of biochar) as well as thermodynamic and kinetic modeling. Material characterization using methods such as XRD, SEM and LOM is an important part of the research. The role also includes collaboration with industrial partners, participation in joint studies and contribution to scientific publications and research applications.The position is located at Luleå University of Technology in Luleå, with the opportunity to participate in experiments and trials in collaboration with industrial and international partners.QualificationsTo be eligible for employment, a PhD or equivalent foreign degree in metallurgy, materials science, chemical engineering or a related field is required. It is an advantage if your degree was obtained no more than three years before the closing date for applications for this position. Good knowledge of iron and steel metallurgy, in particular hydrogen reduction and high temperature processes, is required. Experience in experimental work related to gas-phase reactions or high temperature processes is an advantage. Practical experience in analytical and characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and similar methods is considered an advantage. Knowledge of thermodynamic and kinetic modeling is also advantageous.As the project involves close collaboration with academic and industrial partners, good interpersonal and communication skills are essential. You should have good ability to express yourself in speech and writing in English.InformationThis position is a full-time position for two years. Location: Luleå. Intended start date: mid-August 2026.

 For further information, please contact

 Assistant Professor Hesham Ahmed, 0920-49 1309, mailto:hesham.ahmed@ltu.se

Trade union representative:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.seApplicationWe 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 application and diplomas should be written in Swedish or English.

 Date for application: May 21, 2026

 Reference number: 2935-2026