Postdoctoral in Applied Geochemistry

Do you want to develop your research and teaching in an environment where collaboration with industry and society is a matter of course? With us you will work with dedicated colleagues, access to modern research infrastructure and good opportunities to attract external funding. You are given space to make a real difference for your students, your research and society at large.

Applied geochemistry at LTU focuses on the presence and mobility of elements as well as the geochemical processes that take place in mountains, soil and water at the surface of the earth. The research covers both natural and anthropogenic sources that affect the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the litosphere and the biosphere. This is studied through a combination of analytical chemistry, isotope geochemistry, environmental forensics and environmental mineralology. Research and education in the field covers environmental issues related to the mining industry, infrastructure building, acid sulphate soils and sulphide-containing rocks. The focus is particularly on the mobilisation of critical raw materials (CRMs, including rare earth metals, tungsten and vanadium) in the environment.

The research group has a strong experimental and applied profile, with well-equipped laboratories and extensive collaborations with industry and the public sector. The activities focus on contributing to the development of a sustainable society in the long term.

Substance description

Applied geochemistry includes studies of the presence and mobility of the elements in rock, soil and water, focusing on methods to prevent or reduce the environmental impact of metal mining and community building.

Project description

Mining and other anthropogenic activities can release metals and critical elements into the surrounding water, leading to risks to water quality and ecosystems. Microalgae provide a promising basis for passive or energy-efficient water treatment, as they can accumulate metals in their biomass while producing a material that can enable the recycling of valuable elements.

The project focuses on the interaction between microalgae, dissolved and particle-bound metals and the geochemical conditions in mine-affected water. The project will investigate how factors such as pH, availability of nutrients, metal concentrations, mineral particles and addition of bio-ash affect algae growth, metal uptake and metal distribution between different phases. Geochemical and mineralogical analyses will be combined with measurements of algal biomass and physiological response to identify the mechanisms governing the capture and recovery of trace elements and rare earth metals.

Tasks

A central part of the work is to grow selected microalgae under controlled laboratory conditions and pilot scale and to evaluate recycled bio-ash as a source of nutrients or growth-promoting components. The research will optimise the cultivation and exposure conditions, quantify the metal uptake of biomass, evaluate the purification efficiency over time and examine methods for harvesting and characterising metal-enriched algae biomass.

The aim is to develop the mechanistic and operational knowledge needed to design a scalable micro-algae-based purification system that improves water quality and enables the recycling of valuable metals.

Qualifications

In order to be eligible for a postdoctoral position, you must have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree that is considered equivalent to a doctoral degree in applied geochemistry, biogeochemistry, microbiology, algal biotechnology, environmental science, earth science or a nearby area. A doctoral degree that has been completed no more than three years before the application deadline is meritorious. Applicants who have completed a doctoral degree in the past may also be considered if there are special reasons, such as different forms of statutory leave.

You should have documented experience in the cultivation of microalgae and in planning and conducting controlled alga trials. Experience in one or more of the following areas is meriting: the mobility of metals, the ecophysiology of algae, metal uptake or biosorption, treatment of mining water or wastewater, photobioreactors or escalation of algae cultures, harvesting and characterisation of biomass, tracer analysis, geochemical or mineralogical methods, and statistical analysis of multivariate experimental data.

Personal Characteristics

• Good analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research group.
• Very good ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.
• Will and opportunity to participate in field work in different places in Sweden.

Information

For this position, a full-time employment is valid for two years in Luleå. Admission: 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible after that.

For each position, a preliminary https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning#h-Informationomlonetransparens is provided based on the requirements, responsibilities and market situation of the position.

For further information, please contact Senior Lecturer Sarah Conrad, 0920-49 3478, sarah.conrad@ltu.se

https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning#h-Fackligakontaktpersoner

Application

We would prefer you to apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a personal letter and CV/ CV and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the degree certificate must be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: 12 October 2026

Reference number: 4830–2026