Postdoctoral Researcher in Applied Geochemistry

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.

Applied Geochemistry at LTU focuses on the occurrence and mobility of elements as well as the geochemical processes taking place in rock, soil, and water at the Earth's surface. The research covers both natural and anthropogenic sources that affect the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. This is studied through a combination of analytical chemistry, isotope geochemistry, environmental forensics, and environmental mineralogy. Research and education within the subject address environmental issues linked to the mining industry, infrastructure construction, acid sulfate soils, and sulfide-bearing rocks. Particular focus is placed on the mobilization of critical raw materials (CRM, including for example rare earth elements, tungsten, and vanadium) in the environment.

The research group has a strong experimental and applied profile, with well-equipped laboratories and extensive collaborations with the business sector and the public sector. The activities are aimed at contributing to the development of a long-term sustainable society.

Subject Description

Applied Geochemistry encompasses studies of the occurrence and mobility of elements in rock, soil, and water, with a focus on methods to prevent or reduce environmental impacts from metal extraction and urban development.

Project Description

Mining and other anthropogenic activities can release metals and critical elements into surrounding waters, posing risks to water quality and ecosystems. Microalgae constitute a promising basis for passive or energy-efficient water treatment, as they can accumulate metals in their biomass and simultaneously produce 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-impacted waters. The project will investigate how factors such as pH, nutrient availability, metal concentrations, mineral particles, and the addition of biochar affect algal growth, metal uptake, and the distribution of metals between different phases. Geochemical and mineralogical analyses will be combined with measurements of algal biomass and physiological response to identify the mechanisms governing the removal and recycling of trace elements and rare earth elements.

Tasks

A central part of the work is to cultivate selected microalgae under controlled laboratory conditions and at pilot scale, as well as to evaluate recycled biochar as a source of nutrients or growth-promoting components. The research will optimize cultivation and exposure conditions, quantify the metal uptake of the biomass, evaluate purification efficiency over time, and investigate methods for harvesting and characterizing metal-enriched algal biomass.

The purpose is to develop the mechanistic and operational knowledge required to design a scalable, microalgae-based treatment system that improves water quality and enables the recycling of valuable metals.

Qualifications

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, you must have completed a doctoral degree or hold a foreign degree assessed to correspond to a doctoral degree in applied geochemistry, biogeochemistry, microbiology, algal biotechnology, environmental science, geosciences, or a related field. A doctoral degree obtained no more than three years before the last application date is meritorious. Applicants who have completed their doctoral degree earlier may also be considered if there are special reasons, such as various forms of statutory leave.

You must have documented experience in cultivating microalgae as well as in planning and conducting controlled algal experiments. Experience in one or more of the following areas is meritorious: mobility of metals, algal ecophysiology, metal uptake or biosorption, treatment of mine water or wastewater, photobioreactors or scaling up algal cultures, harvesting and characterization of biomass, trace element analysis, geochemical or mineralogical methods, as well as statistical analysis of multivariate experimental data.

Personal Qualities

• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• 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.
• Willingness and opportunity to participate in fieldwork at various locations in Sweden.

Information

For this position, the employment period is full-time for two years in Luleå. Commencement: 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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 position's requirements, responsibilities, and market position.

For further information, please contact Associate Professor 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 prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a cover letter as well as a CV/list of merits 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: 12 October 2026

Reference number: 4830–2026