for sustainable metal recycling in a circular economy 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 almost SEK 2.1 billion per year. We are currently 1,900 employees and have 18,700 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 that you will help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future. In process metallurgy, we work on the efficient extraction of metals in a sustainable way, from primary and secondary resources through pyro- and/or hydrometallurgical methods. We are now looking for a PhD student in sustainable metal recycling, with a focus on hydrometallurgy and circular economy. As a PhD student, you will perform research work related to the refinement of industrial waste streams, to produce battery chemistry as an alternative to graphite anode batteries, and determine resource recovery. This is done by combining circular economy modeling with life cycle inventory and techno-economic analysis. As a PhD student, you will have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and international team and perform research in close collaboration with senior researchers in the group. Subject description Process metallurgy covers 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 process routes to explore new battery chemistries with higher performance. More specifically, the research work will focus on the mapping of local resources in the northern part of Europe and the Arctic region NPA), which can be refined in a circular economy to recover highly purified anode materials to be used in rechargeable batteries with higher specific capacity. Within the NPA region of the European Union (EU), the research approach will harmonize with the region's smart specialization strategy and address global megatrends affecting the northern regions. The research you are conducting will not only aim at resource mapping and production of resource inventories, but also at establishing new process/extraction routes with involved reaction mechanisms to achieve high product quality. In addition, the assessment of the life cycle value chain in a circular economy will be integrated in the thesis work. Based on the basic research results and insights, you will further extend the research to prediction models and different product developments, which can also be tested at pilot scale. This recruitment is linked to the Interreg-NPA project co-funded by the EU and Region Norrbotten (Sweden) to strengthen innovation capacity for resilient and attractive NPA communities, where LTU is a key partner in the project. Work tasks As a PhD student, you are expected to carry out experimental, theoretical and field-based work within the framework of your research studies. You are also expected to present and communicate your research 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 are also an important part of your work. In addition, you may have the opportunity to participate in teaching and other activities as required. Qualifications We are looking for a driven PhD student with a strong interest in research in sustainable materials in metallurgy, with a particular focus on the synthesis of novel electrode materials. The research is based on an integrated methodology encompassing pyro- and hydrometallurgy, materials science, inorganic chemistry and chemical engineering. Requirements are a Master's degree in the related research field. Having a prior knowledge of battery chemistry and hydrometallurgy is an advantage, given the nature of the project. Experience with analytical instruments such as ICP, XRD, SEM, XRF, TG-DTA, etc., as well as industrial experience is an advantage. For further information on specific PhD programs, see the General Study Plans of the Faculty of Engineering at Luleå University of Technology Information about the program Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental tasks can be added with a maximum of 20%. You will be located in Luleå. Start: according to agreement. For further information, please contact Assistant Professor Sadia Ilyas, (+46)920-49 3905, sadia.ilyas@ltu.se Trade union representative: 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 advertisement, the Swedish version prevails. How to apply We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the application button below. The application should include a CV, a cover letter and copies of verified high school and university transcripts. The application, grades and diplomas should be written in Swedish or English. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Application deadline: April 30, 2025 Reference number: 1474-2025