Post-doctoral Researcher in Engineering Materials with specialization in steel recycling and processing

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. 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 nearly SEK 2,1 billion per year. We currently have 1,900 employees and 18,700 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

The division of Materials Science at LTU invites young researchers in the field of Engineering Materials, to apply for a position to strengthen the research on steel recycling and processing. Within the research subject Engineering Materials, there are several research programs spanning broad areas of metallic and ceramic materials research (e.g. high strength steels, aerospace materials, refractories, porous ceramics and energy harvesting materials). Read more here

Subject description
Engineering materials includes the field of material composition, structure, properties and production of materials – mainly metallic and ceramic – as well as application aspects.

Project description
The main goal of this project is to identify and develop methods to improve steel recycling and minimize the reliance on primary iron, by optimization of steel processing.

Steel scrap is not a uniform material but a very diverse group of materials with widely different constituents and properties. In the short term, improved recycling may for example come from innovations with respect to sorting and characterization of scrap so that every steel class can be recycled as itself. Still, steel recycling will likely need to cope with lower levels of purity and larger variation in the chemical composition for a long time. Today, the principal strategy to limit the negative effects of contamination is by dilution with iron from primary sources. The post-doctoral research in this project will explore the influence of important impurities and cocktail effects on the processing steps, aiming to develop optimized processing strategies to reduce the negative impacts of trace elements.

This project is a collaboration between LTU and the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE), funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. WISE is the largest investment in materials science ever made in Sweden and includes major investments at the leading universities in Sweden. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. Read more at WISE

Duties
As a post-doctoral researcher, you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research but you will also be expected to co-supervise graduate students and collaborate with PhD-students. In addition, you may take part in other teaching activities at the department. A post-doctoral position involves scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and presenting at international conferences. A post-doctoral researcher is expected to take significant responsibility for planning and managing their own project.

Qualifications
In order to be eligible for employment as post doctor you must have a PhD or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD in Materials Engineering, Process Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics or equivalent. A doctoral degree awarded no more than three years before the application deadline provides a useful qualification. Candidates who have been awarded a doctoral degree at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds, for example, different types of statutory leave of absence.

During evaluation, special emphasis is placed on:

• Knowledge and experience relevant to metallic materials
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Quality and relevance of publications
• Quality of PhD thesis
• Personal characteristics relevant to research work

 We are looking for researchers who can work independently as well as in a group. You must have very good communication skills and be fluent in spoken and written English. Additional proficiency in a Scandinavian language is advantageous.

We believe that a successful candidate has an interest in sustainability, circularity and the roles metals play in modern society. Basic understanding of life cycle thinking is meritorious.

The applicant should on request be able to give two reference persons.

Further information
Employment as a post-doctoral researcher is limited to 2 years. The place of employment is Luleå, Sweden. Intended entry in autumn 2025

For further information about the position, please contact associate professor Ida Kero, (+46) 920-49 38 59, ida.kero@ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 )920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46)920-49 1721 marika.vesterberg@ltu.se

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, 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 10, 2025
Reference number: 1748-2025

URL to this page
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