PhD Student in Ore Geology

Annons: 30164220
Yrke: Doktorand
Arbetsgivare: Luleå tekniska universitet
Arbetets ort: Luleå, Norrbottens län
Senaste ansökningsdatum: 2025-11-23
Publiceringsdatum: 2025-10-20


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Presentation:

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.We are now seeking a PhD student in Ore Geology to conduct new research focusing on critical raw materials (CRMs). The PhD project involves the investigation of metamorphic graphite mineralization in northern Sweden, with a focus on geological setting, mineral system genesis, and graphite characterization. Emphasis will be on investigating the geological evolution, metamorphic history, and mineralogical character of a metamorphic graphite deposit to constrain the geological processes that generate high-crystallinity natural graphite. The PhD project also forms part of a broader research initiative (Sustainable Supply of CRMs) that aims to integrate ore geology, political science, and law to jointly explore whether, and how, CRMs can be extracted and recycled in a sustainable and just way.

Subject description
Ore Geology includes the use, setting and mode of formation of naturally occurring economic concentrations of metallic raw materials. The research aims at describing the geological conditions that lead to economic concentrations of minerals, as well as how these minerals can be used for a sustainable societal development.

Project description
Northern Sweden hosts several metamorphic graphite occurrences within Paleoproterozoic metasupracrustal successions. This project will investigate the geological evolution and mineralogical quality of the Nunasvaara graphite deposit in northern Norrbotten – one of Europe’s most significant natural graphite resources and an EU-designated strategic CRM project. The work will combine field mapping, structural geology and geochronology with petrography, bulk rock and mineral characterization (lithogeochemistry, XRD), and detailed microanalysis (e.g. SEM-WDS, electron microprobe, Raman spectroscopy, SIMS). The PhD student will integrate these methods to better understand how sedimentary processes, deformation and metamorphism combine to control natural graphite mineralization, crystallinity and quality. Results from will generate new information about the tectonic and metamorphic evolution of Paleoproterozoic greenstone belts in northern Fennoscandia and the genesis of metamorphic graphite deposits.

Duties
A doctoral student position involves both theoretical and practical work. The doctoral student is trained in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and presenting at national and international conferences. A doctoral student also takes compulsory and optional doctoral courses. In addition, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to teach or perform other educational tasks. As a PhD researcher, you work independently in many contexts, which provides a opportunity to learn how to manage and run a challenging project. Most of your working hours will be devoted to your own doctoral studies. Project work will mainly include geological field mapping, outcrop sampling, sample preparation, geochemical analysis, microanalytical characterization of geological samples, and writing scientific papers. For this project, a willingness and ability to work outdoors in rural areas with uneven terrain and occasional inclement weather is important.

Qualifications
We seek a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in structural and metamorphic geology and enthusiasm for integrating analytical and field approaches. Eligible applicants for the position must have excellent academic grades and recently obtained their master's degree or equivalent degree in Earth Sciences with specialization in mineralogy, petrology, ore geology, or other relevant subjects. Geological mapping with a focus on structures is an important part of the PhD project and experience in this is a merit. Experience of analytical techniques (e.g. XRD, Raman) is also considered a strong merit. It is important that the applicant can express themselves well in English, both orally and in writing. Thus, written proof of good English language skills (certificate of examination, relevant transcripts of records, or a letter of support) is required.

For further information about specific doctoral education, see;
Study plan for doctoral studies in Ore Geology at LTU


Information
The doctoral studies are full-time for 4 years. Departmental duties (teaching and administration) of maximum 20% may be added. Start of the position: February 2026.

For further information, please contact:
Professor Christina Wanhainen, +46 (0)920-49 24 01, christina.wanhainen@ltu.se
Dr Edward Lynch, +46 (0)920-49 23 33, edward.lynch@ltu.se


for the full ad version, see link Job vacancies | Luleå tekniska universitet

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, and evidence of language proficiency in English, if relevant (see above). Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Closing date for applications: November 23, 2025
Reference number: 4446-2025

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