Would you like to advance your research and teaching in an environment where collaboration with industry and society is a given? With us, you’ll work alongside dedicated colleagues, have access to modern research infrastructure, and enjoy excellent opportunities to secure external funding. You’ll have the freedom to make a real difference for your students, your research, and society at large.
The Department of Civil Engineering and Natural Resources (SBN) at Luleå University of Technology conducts research and offers education in sustainable urban development, including infrastructure, environmental engineering, natural resources, and energy systems. More information is available at https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/organisation/institutionen-for-samhallsbyggnad-och-naturresurser.
Within SBN, the Department of Mineral Engineering and Metallurgy focuses on the sustainable extraction, processing, and recycling of minerals and metals.
Take the opportunity to work in a dynamic and international research environment in close collaboration with industry and leading universities around the world.
Subject Description
Process metallurgy encompasses the sustainable extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials using both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. More information is available at https://www.ltu.se/forskning/forskningsamnen/processmetallurgi
Project Description
You will work as part of a team at the forefront of the green transition, with a particular focus on converting waste products and byproducts from the mining and metals industries into high-value-added products. The project combines advanced modeling and experimental work to understand and optimize the thermochemical conversion of gypsum into lime.
As part of a collaborative project with leading industry partners, you will contribute to the development and optimization of innovative process routes for gypsum valorization, with a particular focus on thermochemical conversion to high-quality lime.
Job Responsibilities
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be expected to independently conduct both experimental and theoretical work related to gypsum valorization, including the evaluation and reporting of results.
The work includes laboratory-scale experiments, such as the thermochemical conversion of gypsum, 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 involves collaboration with industry partners, participation in joint studies, and contributions to scientific publications and research grant proposals.
The position is based at Luleå University of Technology in Luleå, with the opportunity to participate in experiments and trials in collaboration with industrial and international partners.
Qualifications
To be eligible for this position, you must hold a Ph.D. or an equivalent foreign degree in metallurgy, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field. It is advantageous if your degree was awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline for this position. In special circumstances, candidates who earned their Ph.D. earlier may be considered, such as in cases of various types of legally mandated leave.
Strong knowledge of pyrometallurgy, particularly in the recovery of gypsum and high-temperature processes, is required. Experience with experimental work related to gas–solid reactions or high-temperature processes is advantageous. Practical experience with analytical and characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and similar methods is considered an asset. Knowledge of thermodynamic and kinetic modeling is also a plus.
Since the project involves close collaboration with academic and industrial partners, strong collaboration and communication skills are very important. Applicants must be able to express themselves well in spoken and written English.
Information
This is a full-time position for a term of two years. Location: Luleå. Expected start date: December 2026.
For further information, please contact
Assistant Professor Hesham Ahmed, 0920-49 1309, mailto:hesham.ahmed@ltu.se
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.se
Application
We prefer that you apply for the position using the application button below, where you should attach a cover letter, your resume/CV, and copies of verified degree certificates. Please include the reference number below in your application. Both the application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.
Application deadline: October 2, 2026
Reference number: 2792-2026