Postdoctoral position in Mineral Processing

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.In line with the green transition and the striving for a sustainable supply of critical raw materials, our research in mineral processing consists of three pillars: material characterization (mineralogical and particle analyses), unit operations (such as comminution and separation processes), as well as system engineering approaches (modeling and simulation, geometallurgy). Experimental work (with processing of ore and mineral) is carried out in our well-equipped mineral processing laboratory with access to the very latest analytical instruments and a large range of process equipment. Within undergraduate education, we contribute to engineering programmes such as Sustainable Process and Chemical Engineering, Georesources Engineering and Arctic Mineral Resources. Subject description Mineral Processing deals with unit operations and processes for the preparation of solid, particulate matter, primarily ore minerals, industrial minerals and solid fuels but also waste, recycling materials, and products from the process industry. Project description We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in mineral processing. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be part of an established research group that operates in a dynamic, international research environment to work on a new research project: the beneficiation of eudialyte ores. Eudialyte is a strategically important source of rare earth elements and represents a promising feedstock for Europe’s growing advanced materials sector. The Norra Kärr complex ore in central Sweden contains notable eudialyte-bearing intrusions that could underpin building a resilient and sustainable rare earth value chain from domestic sources. The project seeks to develop and refine flotation strategies tailored to eudialyte ores of diverse mineralogical compositions and alteration states. The postdoctoral research in this project will emphasize the design of a beneficiation processes, including process mineralogical characterization, selective flotation with environmentally benign collectors, micro- and nano-bubble technologies, and controlled desliming to enhance recovery. The focus will be on understanding how flotation operation parameters affect process selectivity and separation performance. Duties This postdoctoral position involves both theoretical and experimental work. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research but you will also be expected to co-supervise graduate students and collaborate with PhD students. In addition, you may take part in other teaching activities at the department. A postdoctoral position involves scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and presenting at national and international conferences. As a postdoctoral researcher, you are expected to take significant responsibility for planning and managing your own project. Qualifications To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, you must hold a doctoral degree in mineral processing, natural resource engineering, or a field of equivalent expertise. A doctoral degree awarded no more than three years before the application deadline provides a useful qualification. Candidates who have been awarded a doctoral degree at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds, for example, different types of statutory leave of absence. During evaluation, special emphasis is placed on: - Solid education in mineral processing (theoretical knowledge and experimental experience of various beneficiation methods, especially froth flotation) - Knowledge and experience in mineralogical characterization. - Quality and relevance of publications - Quality of PhD thesis - Communication and collaboration skills - Personal characteristics relevant to research work We are looking for a researcher who can work independently as well as in a group. You must have good communication skills and knowledge of English, both spoken and written. Additional proficiency in a Scandinavian language is advantageous. Further information Full-time fixed term employment for two years. Placement will be in Luleå. Start date: As agreed, but as soon as possible. For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Saeed Chelgani, (+46)920-49 1494, saeed.chelgani@ltu.se Professor Jan Rosenkranz, (+46)920-49 2183, jan.rosenkranz@ltu.se Associate Professor Mehdi Parian 0920-49 2556, mehdi.parian@ltu.se 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, a personal letter, and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish. You should be able to provide two references upon request. Closing date for applications: January 11, 2026 Reference number: 6071-2025