Postdoctoral position in Applied Geochemistry

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.

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 carried out on both natural and anthropogenic sources influenced by 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. Special focus is put on Critical Raw Material (CRM, incl. e.g. PGE, REE, W, V) mobilization in the environment.

Our 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. We are now searching for an hydrogeologist/geochemist to complement our group.

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.

Project description
The extraction of critical raw materials (CRMs) is projected to rise across Europe. In Sweden, research is currently focused on exploring CRM ore deposits, with a particular emphasis on those containing rare earth elements (REEs). Sweden has significant potential to establish itself as a global leader in sustainable REE mining. Achieving this goal, however, requires the implementation of stringent environmental standards to minimize negative effects on surrounding ecosystems. Inadequate processing methods, poor mine waste management, and improper mine closure can result in serious environmental and public health risks. Currently, knowledge regarding the environmental impacts of REEs remains limited.

In collaboration with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, we are offering a two-year strategic postdoctoral position to evaluate ongoing research on the environmental challenges associated with ore types currently being explored in Sweden. The postdoctoral researcher will design a multidisciplinary framework to identify and prioritize CRMs that may pose environmental risks in the country. This framework will consider factors such as mineral occurrence, associated minerals of concern, geochemical behaviour, mobility, bioavailability, toxicity, and hydrogeological properties, and will be modelled after an assessment methodology developed by the USGS. Special focus will be put on REE in the project. Using these results, the postdoctoral researcher will carry out a detailed study of the highest-priority commodity and develop suitable upstream strategies within the mining value chain to mitigate potential negative impacts on downstream water quality.

Duties
The postdoctoral researcher will:
- Evaluate ongoing research related to environmental issues associated with different CRM ore types, with special focus on REE
- Develop a multidisciplinary framework to identify and prioritize CRMs that may pose environmental risks in Sweden, inspired by the assessment model developed by the USGS.
- Integrate multiple lines of evidence, including data on the occurrence of CRMs, associated problematic minerals, geochemical behavior, bioavailability, toxicity and hydrogeology.
- Apply the developed framework to identify CRMs of highest environmental concern and select the most urgent commodity for detailed study.
- Investigate the identified CRM in detail to understand its environmental pathways and impacts, particularly concerning water quality.
- Propose upstream mitigation strategies within the mining value chain to minimize or prevent adverse effects on downstream environments.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams within LTU and partner institutions to align the developed approach with ongoing national and international efforts.
- The project is a part of CAMMCRM at LTU and the postdoc will attend workshops and seminares related to that.
- Contribute to teaching and supervision, supporting courses and student projects within the subject area of environmental geochemistry and sustainable mining.

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 applied geochemistry, hydrogeology, mineralogy or similar. 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.

Required Qualifications
- Competency in hydrogeology
- Knowledge of near-surface geochemical weathering processes
- Experience in water and soil sampling
- Proficiency in data processing software such as IoGAS or equivalent
- Experience with GIS software such as QGIS or similar
- Knowledge of Critical Raw Materials
- Good command of English, both written and spoken

Meritorious Qualifications (Considered an Advantage)
- Background in mineralogy
- Understanding of different ore types and rock-forming minerals
- Good command of Swedish, both written and spoken
- Analytical techniques, such as SEM, XRD, ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, IRMS

Further information
Full-time fixed-term employment for two years with placement in Luleå. Starting: In April 2026 or as soon as possible after that

For further information about the position, please contact
Senior Lecturer Lina Hällström, +46 920-49 35 43, lina.hallstrom@ltu.se

Or

Associate Professor Thomas Aiglsperger, +46 920 – 49 10 16, Thomas.Aiglsperger@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: February 28,2026
Reference number: 6943-2025

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