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. Applied Geochemistry at LTU focuses on the occurrence and mobility of elements and geochemical processes that occur in rock, soil and water at the earth's surface. The research includes both natural and anthropogenic sources affected by the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. The research group has a strong experimental and applied profile, with well-equipped laboratories and extensive collaborations with industry and the public sector, all with the aim of building a long-term sustainable society. We are now looking for a hydrogeologist/geochemist to complement our group. Subject description Applied geochemistry includes the study of the occurrence and mobility of elements in rock, soil and water, with a focus on methods to prevent or reduce environmental impacts from metal extraction and community construction. Project description The extraction of critical raw materials (CRM) is expected to increase throughout Europe. In Sweden, research is currently focused on the exploration of CRM ores, with a particular focus on ores containing rare earth elements (REE). Sweden has great potential to establish itself as a global leader in sustainable REE mining. Achieving this requires low impact on the environment, to minimize negative effects on surrounding ecosystems. Inefficient processing methods and improper handling of mining waste can lead to serious environmental and public health risks. Knowledge of the environmental impacts of REE and other CRMs is currently limited. In collaboration with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, we now offer a two-year strategic postdoctoral position with the aim of evaluating ongoing research on the environmental challenges associated with the ore types currently being investigated in Sweden. The postdoctoral fellow will design a multidisciplinary framework to identify and prioritize CRMs that may pose environmental risks in the country. The framework will take into account factors such as mineral occurrence, associated minerals of concern, geochemical behavior, mobility, bioavailability, toxicity, and hydrogeological properties, and will be evaluated following an assessment methodology developed by the USGS. Special focus will be placed on REE. Responsibilities The postdoc will: - Evaluate ongoing research on environmental issues associated with different CRM ore types, with a particular focus on REE - Develop a multidisciplinary framework for identifying and prioritizing CRMs that may pose environmental risks in Sweden, inspired by the USGS assessment model - Integrate multiple lines of evidence, including data on CRM occurrence, associated minerals of concern, geochemical behavior, bioavailability, toxicity, and hydrogeology - Apply the developed framework to identify the CRMs that pose the greatest environmental risk and select an ore type for in-depth study - Investigate the identified CRM in detail to understand its environmental pathways and impacts, particularly with respect to water quality - Propose upstream strategies within the mining value chain to minimize or prevent negative impacts on downstream environments - Collaborate with interdisciplinary research groups within LTU and partner institutions to coordinate the developed approach with ongoing national and international initiatives - The project is part of CAMMCRM at LTU and the postdoc is expected to participate in workshops and seminars linked to this - Contribute to teaching and supervision and support courses and student projects in environmental geochemistry and sustainable mining Qualifications For employment as a postdoctoral fellow, a PhD or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD in applied geochemistry, hydrogeology, mineralogy or a related subject is required. A doctoral degree obtained no more than three years before the deadline for applications is an advantage. Applicants who have obtained a doctoral degree earlier may also be considered if there are special reasons, such as various forms of statutory leave. Mandatory qualifications - Competence in hydrogeology - Knowledge of geochemical weathering processes - Experience in water and soil sampling - Good ability to use data processing programs such as IoGAS or equivalent - Experience with GIS software such as QGIS or similar - Knowledge of critical raw materials - Very good knowledge of English, spoken and written Meritorious qualifications - Background in mineralogy - Understanding of different ore types and rock-forming minerals - Good knowledge of Swedish, spoken and written - Experience of analytical techniques such as SEM, XRD, ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, IRMS Job information Full-time employment on fixed term for two years with location in Luleå. Start date: April 2026 or as agreed. For further information about the position, please contact: Senior Lecturer Lina Hällström +46 920-49 35 43 lina.hallstrom@ltu.se Or contact Associate Professor Thomas Aiglsperger +46 920-49 10 16 thomas.aiglsperger@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. For the full version of the advertisement see: Vacancies | Luleå University of Technology Application deadline: February 28, 2026 Reference number: 6943-2025