Arbetsbeskrivning

Microbiology in Geochemical Exploration

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a doctoral student with us, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong, international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and solid funding opportunities. You will be offered secure employment, high-quality supervision, and room to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.

Under the research subject Applied Geochemistry at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology (LTU), we are looking for a PhD student to join the Doctoral Research School BioGeoMetals, funded by the Swedish Research Council. This project will be conducted in close collaboration with the Swedish mining industry and the Centre of Advanced Mining and Metallurgy (CAMM) at LTU and gives the opportunity to study in a dynamic, international research environment with leading universities worldwide. 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. Research is conducted on natural and anthropogenic sources and their interactions within and between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. This is achieved by combining analytical chemistry, isotopic geochemistry, environmental forensics, and environmental mineralogy. Research and education in this subject address environmental issues tied to the mining industry, infrastructure construction, acid sulphate soils, and sulphide-bearing rocks. The research group has a strong experimental and applied profile, with well-equipped laboratories and extensive collaborations with industry and the public sector, all geared towards building a long-term, sustainable society.

Subject description

Applied Geochemistry is concerned with studies into the occurrence and mobility of the elements in rocks, soil, and water, focusing on methods to prevent or reduce the environmental impact of metal extraction and infrastructure development.

About the Doctoral Research School – BioGeoMetals

The position is part of the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) funded PhD Research School on Mining and Mineral Research – BioGeoMetals, a national collaboration between Linnaeus University (coordinator), Luleå University of Technology (LTU), and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. BioGeoMetals focuses on biogeochemical and hydrogeochemical approaches for sustainable metal recovery and environmental management in mining environments. The research school addresses the mobilization and recovery of critical raw materials from mining waste rock, tailings, groundwater, or run-off waters, as well as bioremediation of impacted mine sites. Through interdisciplinary doctoral training, joint courses, and close collaboration with industry and public authorities, the research school aims to educate the next generation of researchers contributing to sustainable mining and responsible resource management in Sweden and beyond.

Project description

The project will investigate how microbiology can be used in geochemical exploration to find ore deposits. Characterisation of solids, liquids and microbes in mining environments (e.g. tailings, mine water, and waste rock) will serve as the base for subsequent brown- and greenfield exploration trials. The successful candidate will benefit from a strong collaboration within the mining school. Advanced analytical techniques will be used to characterize solid phases and solution chemistry in both laboratory and field investigations.

The work will combine:

• Laboratory and field investigations
• Characterization of solution chemistry
• Mineralogical characterization
• Investigation of microbial communities
• Development of exploration strategies

Duties

As a PhD student, you will:

• Conduct field sampling of both aqueous and solid phases
• Perform laboratory-based geochemical and mineralogical analyses
• Design and evaluate microbial methods of mineral exploration
• Integrate and interpret multi-disciplinary datasets
• Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Present findings at national and international conferences

Most of your working time will be devoted to your doctoral research. Teaching and departmental duties may constitute up to 20% of full-time employment.

Qualifications

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a strong interest in geochemistry, field and laboratory work, microbiology, and sustainable mining.

You must have:

• A Master's degree in geology, geochemistry, environmental geoscience, or a closely related field
• Good oral and written proficiency in English
• A driving license

Meritorious qualifications include:

• Experience with analytical techniques such as ICP-MS, XRD, SEM-EDS, or similar instrumentation
• Field experience in water sampling or geological investigations

Personal qualities such as analytical ability, independence, collaboration skills, and strong motivation for research will be given significant weight.

For further information about a specific subject see

* http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd?l=en

Further information

Employment as a PhD student is limited to four years of full-time studies. Teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to a maximum of 20%.

The position is located in Luleå, Sweden.

Start date: Autumn 2026 or according to agreement.

For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Thomas Aiglsperger, +46 920-49 1016, [email protected], or Oscar Paulsson [email protected]

Union representatives

SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 )920-49 2037 mailto:[email protected]

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46) 920-49 1721 mailto:[email protected]

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application

We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, a personal letter, and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Closing date for applications: June 11, 2026

Reference number: 3414-2026