Postdoc in process metallurgy
Do you want to develop your research and teaching in an environment where collaboration with industry and society is a given? With us, you will work with engaged colleagues, access to modern research infrastructure, and good opportunities to attract external funding. You will be given the space to make a real difference for your students, your research, and society at large.
The Department of Built Environment and Natural Resources (SBN) at Luleå tekniska universitet conducts research and education within sustainable societal development, including infrastructure, environmental technology, natural resources, and energy systems. More information can be found at https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/organisation/institutionen-for-samhallsbyggnad-och-naturresurser.
Within SBN, the Department of Mineral and Metallurgical Engineering focuses on sustainable extraction, processing, and recycling of minerals and metals.
Take the chance to work in a dynamic and international research environment in close cooperation with industry and leading universities worldwide.
Subject Description
Process metallurgy encompasses the sustainable extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials based on both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. More information can be found at https://www.ltu.se/forskning/forskningsamnen/processmetallurgi
Project Description
You will work within a team that is at the forefront of the green transition, with a particular focus on transforming waste products and by-products from the mining and metal industries into high-value products. The project combines advanced modeling and experimental work to understand and optimize the thermochemical conversion of gypsum to lime.
As part of a collaborative project with leading industrial partners, you will contribute to the development and optimization of innovative process pathways for the valorization of gypsum, with a specific focus on thermochemical conversion to high-quality lime.
Tasks
As a postdoc, you are expected to independently conduct both experimental and theoretical work related to the valorization of gypsum, including the evaluation and reporting of results.
The work includes experiments on a laboratory scale, for example, the thermochemical conversion of gypsum, as well as thermodynamic and kinetic modeling. Material characterization using methods such as XRD, SEM, and LOM constitutes an important part of the research. The role also involves collaboration with industrial partners, participation in joint studies, as well as contributions to scientific publications and research applications.
The position is located at Luleå tekniska universitet in Luleå, with the possibility to participate in experiments and trials in collaboration with industrial and international partners.
Qualifications
To be eligible for employment, a doctoral degree or equivalent foreign degree in metallurgy, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field is required. It is meritorious if your degree was awarded no more than three years before the last application date for this employment. If there are special reasons, those who obtained their doctoral degree earlier may also be considered, for example, due to different types of statutory leave.
Good knowledge of pyrometallurgy, especially within the valorization of gypsum and high-temperature processes, is a requirement. Experience of experimental work related to gas–solid reactions or high-temperature processes is meritorious. Practical experience with analytical and characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and similar methods is considered an advantage. Knowledge of thermodynamic and kinetic modeling is also meritorious.
Since the project involves close cooperation with academic and industrial partners, good collaborative and communication skills are very important. Applicants must have a good ability to express themselves in speech and writing in English.
Information
For this employment, a full-time employment period of two years applies. Location: Luleå. Intended start date: December 2026.
For further information, please contact
Associate Professor Hesham Ahmed, 0920-49 1309, mailto:hesham.ahmed@ltu.se
Union representative:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se
Application
We would prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a cover letter as well as a CV/resume and copies of verified degree certificates. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.
Last application date: 2026-10-02
Reference number: 2792-2026