In the research subject Process Metallurgy at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, we are looking for two PhD students in "Sustainable Metal Recovery-Hydrometallurgy & Circular Economy" within the framework of the graduate school program BioGeoMetals, funded by the Swedish Research Council.
Description of subject
Process Metallurgy deals with sustainable recovery of metals from primary and secondary raw materials using both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes.
About the Graduate School Program - BioGeoMetals
The BioGeoMetals Graduate School will focus on biogeochemical and bio- and hydrometallurgical approaches for sustainable recovery of critical metals from mine waste, tailings and runoff water in Sweden, together with bioremediation and new crystallization techniques. Within the graduate school, LTU-Process Metallurgy is a central party together with LTU-Applied Geochemistry and KTH, while Linnaeus University coordinates the activities.
Different perspectives for achieving sustainability goals in the mining and metallurgy sector will be explored through seven parallel and complementary PhD projects at three Swedish universities. In this way, the PhD students will receive an interdisciplinary education in relevant subject areas through joint courses, seminars, international exchanges and collaborations with industry. Thereby, they will be well equipped to contribute to a greener and more resource-efficient future.
The PhD students at LTU-Process Metallurgy will join a dynamic and international team in "Sustainable Metal Recovery-Hydrometallurgy & Circular Economy", which actively serves as an important bridge between sustainability and materials science by utilizing advanced and novel hydrometallurgical methods, including microbial activities and life cycle analysis of metallurgical processes.
Project description
As a PhD student, you will use advanced bio- and hydrometallurgical techniques to develop new extraction routes for efficient and low-carbon recycling, with a main focus on critical and strategic metals from mining waste materials.
Your research will not only aim to establish process parameters, clarify reaction kinetics and mechanisms and achieve high purity products, but also include life cycle assessment, assessment of contribution to circular economy and sustainability aspects as integral parts of the thesis work.
Based on basic research results and insights, you will further develop the research into predictive models and different product development concepts, which can also be tested at pilot scale.
Tasks
As a PhD student, you are expected to carry out both experimental and theoretical work within the framework of your research studies and to communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals.
Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. Project planning and independent development of the research area is also an important part of the work.
In addition, you may be given the opportunity to participate in teaching and other institutional tasks, if needed.
Qualifications
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with an interest in research on sustainable matrices in metallurgy, especially using water-based (chemical and microbial) metallurgy. You should have a Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering/Metallurgy, Materials Science with basic knowledge and study of Biology/Microbiology or related disciplines.
The tasks require a very good knowledge of at least one of the following topics: inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, solution chemistry, electrochemistry, surface chemistry, microbial growth mechanisms, metal-microbe interactions, separation technology or chemical engineering. Good oral and written communication skills in English are also required. Experience in hydrometallurgical metal extraction, mineral and materials chemistry, metal recovery, handling of analytical instruments such as ICP, XRD, SEM, XRF, TG-DTA, as well as industrial experience is advantageous. Previous experience with LCA and sustainability tools is an added advantage. Valid test results such as IELTS or TOEFL are meritorious.
For further information on specific doctoral education, see: http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd
Information
Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full time. Place of employment is Luleå. Access is according to agreement.
For further information, you are welcome to contact deputy professor Sadia Ilyas, 09:00 am. Professor Sadia Ilyas, 0920-49 3905, mailto:sadia.ilyas@ltu.se
Union representatives: 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 via the application button below where you attach a personal letter as well as CV/resume and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the diploma must be written in Swedish or English.
Date for application: April 22, 2026
Reference number: 2285-2026