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 1.9 billion per year. We are currently 1,840 employees and have 17,670 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 want to help us build the sustainable businesses and societies of the future. We are now looking for a PhD student in ore geology with a focus on ore characterization and geometallurgy. The PhD project will involve documentation of complex sulfide ores at Zinkgruvan in Sweden, focusing on sulfide paragenesis, mineral chemistry and textural variations. The emphasis will be on understanding the mineralogical and textural controls on the distribution of ore elements, critical elements and penalty elements, and how this affects the yields in the beneficiation process. The project is funded by CAMM (Center for Advanced Mining Technology and Metallurgy) and Zinkgruvan Mining AB. Subject description Ore geology encompasses the use, behavior, occurrence and mode of formation of naturally occurring economic concentrations of metallic raw materials. The research aims to describe the geological conditions that lead to mineable concentrations of minerals, as well as how these minerals can be used for sustainable social development. Project description A number of different zinc- and copper-dominated ore bodies at Zinkgruvan will be characterized with respect to textures, mineralogy, metal content, mineral associations and metal distribution. The focus will be on integrating detailed characterization in drill core with microanalytical techniques (e.g. SEM-WDS, electron microprobe, Laser Ablation ICPMS and QEMSCAN). You as a PhD student will characterize products from enrichment experiments on the investigated ore types in order to better understand how the variations of the ore types affect the outcome, in particular the distribution of trace elements including critical metals. Results from the project will form the basis for geometallurgical modeling, which aims to make processes more predictable and maximize yield. The project will be carried out in close cooperation with Zinkgruvan Mining AB and its mining geologists and process engineers. Work tasks A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. The PhD student is trained in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. A doctoral student also takes compulsory and optional doctoral courses. In addition, you may have the opportunity to try out the role of teacher. As a researcher, you will work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to learn how to run challenging development projects. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. Your work will mainly involve core logging, microanalytical characterization of geological samples, and writing scientific papers. Qualifications Qualified applicants for the position should have recently obtained their Master's degree or similar degree in Earth Sciences with specialization in mineralogy, ore geology or other relevant subject. It is essential that the applicant is able to express him/herself well in English in both speech and writing. Drill core mapping with focus on mineralogy and ore textures is an important part of the PhD project and therefore experience in this is meritorious. Experience of analytical techniques is also considered meritorious. Written proof of good English language skills (test certificate, relevant study transcripts or a letter of support) is required. For further information on specific doctoral training see curricula for doctoral studies in the Faculty of Engineering Information on the PhD Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years, or a maximum of 5 years if departmental duties are included. Teaching and other departmental duties can be added up to 20% of full-time. Place of employment: Luleå. Intended access from January 1, 2025. Employment as a doctoral student can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§ 1-7. For further information, you are welcome to contact: Associate Professor Nils Jansson, 0920-49 1487, nils.jansson@ltu.se Professor Christina Wanhainen, 0920-49 2401, christina.wanhainen@ltu.se Trade union representatives: 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 Please apply for the position via the application button below, attaching a cover letter, CV/resume and copies of verified diplomas and a certificate of English language proficiency (test certificate, relevant transcripts or a letter of support). Please mark your application with the reference number below. Deadline for applications: October 21, 2024 Reference number: 3821-2024