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 SEK 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 students. In the coming years, multi-billion sums will be invested in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in large projects aimed at a more sustainable society nationally as well as globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly topical research projects and the social transformation that follows. We have a wide range of training to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you will help us build the sustainable companies and communities of the future. In process metallurgy, we research the efficient extraction of metals via sustainable methods from primary and secondary resources using pyro- and/or hydrometallurgical methods. We are currently looking for two PhD students in the area of ​​Sustainable Metal Recycling—Hydrometallurgy & Circular Economy to carry out research work related to hydrometallurgical recovery of critical metals. As a PhD student, you will have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and international team and carry out research in close collaboration with senior researchers and industry. Subject description Process metallurgy includes the sustainable extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials based on both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. Project description As a PhD student, you will use advanced hydrometallurgical techniques to develop new recycling routes for efficient and low-carbon recycling, mainly focused on rare earth metals, lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese and phosphorus extraction from residual materials. This includes, but is not limited to, (i) assessment of rare earth elements from permanent magnets for a low-carbon circular economy and (ii) recovery of electrode elements from spent rechargeable (Li-ion) batteries, where the research tasks are divided between PhD student 1 and PhD student 2. Your research will contribute to determining process parameters, revealing reaction kinetics and mechanism and ensuring high-quality products, but also integrating analysis of the life cycle, determination of contribution to circular economy and sustainability index in the thesis work. Based on basic research results and insights, you will also extend the research to prediction models and various product developments, which can be tested on a pilot scale. This recruitment is linked to the Wallenberg initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org). WISE is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, and is the largest investment ever in materials science in Sweden and will include major efforts at Sweden's leading universities over a 10-year period. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. Read more: WISE, wise-materials.org. All early career researchers recruited to the WISE program will be part of the WISE Graduate School (https://wise-materials.org/research/graduate-school/), an ambitious national program of seminars, courses, research visits and other activities to promote a strong interdisciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers and industry. Job duties As a doctoral student, you are expected to carry out both experimental and theoretical work in your research area 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 topic is also an important part of your work. In addition, you have the opportunity to participate in teaching and other activities, if necessary. Qualifications We are seeking two students who are strongly motivated for research in sustainable matrices in metallurgy, particularly using water-based (chemical and microbial) metallurgy. You should have a Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science or a related subject. Your duties require excellent knowledge in at least one of the subjects of inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, solution chemistry, electrochemistry, organometallic chemistry, surface chemistry, microbial growth mechanism and metal-to-microbe interactions. Experience in hydrometallurgical extraction of metals, minerals and material chemistry, metal recycling, handling of analytical instruments such as ICP, XRD, SEM, XRF, TG-DTA, etc., as well as industrial experience is an advantage. Experience with machine learning and statistics is an added advantage. For further information on specific doctoral education see: study plans for postgraduate education within the Faculty of Technology Information Employment as a doctoral student is time-limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties can add up to 20% of full time. Place of employment is Luleå. Access is by agreement. For further information, please contact Bitr. professor Sadia Ilyas, (+46)920-49 3905, sadia.ilyas@ltu.se Union representative: SACO-S Kjell Johansson, 0920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se OFR-S Lars Frisk, 0920-49 1792 lars.frisk@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 a CV/résumé and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificate must be written in Swedish or English. Application deadline: 31 July 2024 Reference number: 2118-2024