Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefits. 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 2 billion per year. We are currently 1,500 employees and have 17,900 students. In the coming years, billions of kronor will be invested in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in major 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 programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you will help us build the sustainable businesses and societies of the future. In line with the green transition and with a view to sustainable supply of critical raw materials, our research in mineral engineering consists of three pillars: material characterization (mineralogical and particle analyses), unit operations (such as comminution and separation processes) and systems engineering approaches (modelling and simulation, geometallurgy). Experimental work (on ore and mineral processing) is carried out in our well-equipped mineral engineering laboratory with access to state-of-the-art instruments and a wide range of process equipment. In undergraduate education, we contribute to engineering programs such as Sustainable Process and Chemical Engineering, Earth Sciences Resources and Arctic Mineral Resources. Subject description Mineral engineering deals with unit operations and processes for the preparation of solid, particulate materials, primarily ore minerals, industrial minerals and solid fuels, but also residues, recycled materials and products from the process industry. Project description We are now looking for a PhD student in mineral engineering. As a PhD student, you will be part of an established research group operating in a dynamic, international research environment to work on a new research project, development of small-scale deposits in Västerbotten containing nickel, copper and platinum group elements (Ni-Cu-PGE). The project aims to address the challenges associated with improved ore characterization and its integration into process design and optimization. By using geometallurgical methods, we aim to create efficient and sustainable exploration and mining methods to optimize the utilization of mineral resources, especially in the context that deposits of critical metals and minerals can be small-scale and complex in nature. The research in the project includes mineralogical and metallurgical characterization to assess the ore composition, texture and its enrichment properties of Ni-Cu-PGE ores. A geometallurgical framework will be developed integrating the geological, mineralogical and process parameters into predictive models. In addition to characterization, flexible process flow diagrams will be designed to accommodate smaller quantities of material with varying properties. The project will also investigate possible hydrometallurgical methods for the extraction of PGE metals, focusing on environmentally responsible methods that maximize metal recovery while minimizing waste and emissions. The project involves the following activities: - Characterization of small-scale Ni-Cu-PGE deposits by mineralogical, particle and enrichment properties relevant for mineral processing (grindability, floatability) and leachability of PGE and other metals. - Establish a geometallurgical database and model to optimize process design and performance through a framework for systematic integration of data from different sources. - Design of flexible process flow diagrams for geometallurgical investigations taking into account multiple objectives and under constraints of material samples and laboratory capacity. - Reporting within the project. The project is funded by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth within the EU program "Just Transition Fund" and is linked to CAMM - Center of Advanced Mining and Metallurgy, a center establishment at Luleå University of Technology. Work tasks A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a researcher, you work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to learn how to run challenging development projects. You will learn how to write scientific papers and present your work at national and international conferences. Furthermore, you will take both compulsory and elective PhD courses and be part of the department's graduate school. Qualifications To be eligible, you must have a master's degree (120 ECTS) in mineral engineering, natural resources engineering or equivalent. As a PhD student, you are expected to have a solid education in mineral engineering (theoretical knowledge and experimental experience of different enrichment methods) and mineralogical characterization. You must also have good knowledge of English in both speech and writing. Knowledge in modeling and simulation is considered an advantage. For further information on PhD training in the subject of mineral engineering, see https://www.ltu.se/Mineralteknik Further 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: Luleå. Start date: according to agreement but as soon as possible. For further information, please contact:Jan Rosenkranz, Professor and Head of Department, 0920-49 2183, jan.rosenkranz@ltu.se Mehdi Parian, Assistant Professor, 0920-49 2556, mehdi.parian@ltu.se Trade union representative: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Lars Frisk, 0920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se How to apply We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a cover letter, CV/resume and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the diplomas must be written in Swedish or English. Deadline for applications: February 12, 2025 Reference number: 158-2025