PhD Student in Mineral Processing – Beneficiation Strategies for Rare Earth and High Field Strength Element Ores Luleå University of Technology in Sweden

Luleå University of Technology is a rapidly growing institution with world-leading expertise in several research areas, including mineral processing. The university collaborates closely with international, national, and regional companies, the public sector, and leading universities, positioning itself at the forefront of the global transition toward renewable energy, electrification, and digital technologies. Northern Sweden is a key region for critical raw materials, and Luleå University of Technology is actively involved in strategic research initiatives such as CAMM-CRM, contributing to sustainable technologies and the education of future experts.

This PhD position in Mineral Processing focuses on developing mineralogy-driven processing strategies for complex ores, particularly those bearing rare earth elements (REE) and high field strength elements (HFSE). These elements are essential for modern technologies, including renewable energy production, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics. Sweden hosts a diverse range of REE-bearing mineral systems, which represent a significant but underutilized resource base. The project aims to create technically viable beneficiation strategies for Swedish REE and HFSE resources, including the recovery of valuable by-products.

The research is structured around three pillars: material characterization (mineralogical and particle analyses), unit operations (comminution and separation processes), and system engineering approaches (modeling and simulation, geometallurgy). Experimental work will be conducted in a well-equipped mineral processing laboratory, utilizing advanced analytical instruments and a wide range of process equipment. The project will systematically link mineralogy, comminution, and separation with process performance and flowsheet design.

As a PhD student, you will engage in both experimental and theoretical work, using tools such as SEM, LIBS, Raman, and XRD, as well as laboratory-scale processing equipment. You will collaborate with academic and industrial partners, design and execute research studies, analyze large datasets, and integrate results into process models and flowsheets. The position also offers opportunities for scientific communication, including writing journal articles and presenting at national and international conferences. Doctoral courses and participation in the department’s research school are integral parts of the program.

Key tasks include characterizing REE- and HFSE-bearing ores, investigating comminution behavior, evaluating beneficiation methods (magnetic and electrical separation, flotation, hybrid and multi-sensor techniques), and developing integrated process flowsheets for various REE deposit types. The project emphasizes multi-product strategies for by-product recovery and scientific dissemination through publications and conferences.

Eligibility requires a master's degree (120 ECTS) in mineral processing, natural resource engineering, or equivalent, with solid theoretical and experimental background in mineral processing and mineralogical characterization, as well as numerical skills. Proficiency in English is mandatory, and Swedish language skills are a strong merit. The position is limited to four years, with possible teaching and departmental duties up to 20%. Placement is in Luleå, and the starting date is as soon as possible by agreement.

Applications should be submitted online, including a CV, personal letter, and verified diplomas from high school and universities, written in English or Swedish. The closing date for applications is May 21, 2026. For further information, contact Associate Professor Mehdi Parian, Professor Saeed Chehreh Chelgani, or Professor Jan Rosenkranz. Union representatives are also available for consultation.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates seeking to advance their expertise in mineral processing and contribute to sustainable resource development in Sweden.