PhD Position in Groundwater Geochemistry as Tracer of Critical Raw Materials in the Per Geijer Mining District
Luleå University of Technology is seeking a PhD student for a research project in groundwater geochemistry, focusing on tracing critical raw materials (CRM) in the Per Geijer Mining District, Northern Sweden. The university is renowned for its world-leading expertise and strong collaborations with industry, public sector, and international partners. The Applied Geochemistry group at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering offers a dynamic research environment with well-equipped laboratories and extensive industry connections, particularly with LKAB and the Centre of Advanced Mining and Metallurgy (CAMM-SFO).
The PhD project centers on water-rock interaction and groundwater geochemistry as a tracer for CRM sources in the Per Geijer mining district, which hosts Europe’s largest known rare earth element (REE) deposit. Since mining has not yet commenced, the site provides a unique opportunity to establish a pre-mining groundwater geochemical baseline and investigate natural CRM mobilization under undisturbed conditions. Research activities include multi-element and isotope analysis, mineralogical characterization (using µXRF, XRD, SEM-EDS, electron microprobe, LA-ICP-MS), and integration with hydrogeological and 3D geological models in collaboration with LKAB.
As a PhD student, you will conduct fieldwork for groundwater and drill core sampling, perform laboratory-based geochemical and mineralogical analyses, apply isotopic and trace element techniques, and integrate multidisciplinary datasets. You will publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences. Teaching and departmental duties may constitute up to 20% of full-time employment.
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, environmental geoscience, or a closely related field. Essential qualifications include knowledge of aqueous geochemistry and water–rock interaction processes, and proficiency in English. Experience with mineralogical characterization techniques, isotope geochemistry, fieldwork, and geochemical modeling or statistical data analysis is advantageous. Personal qualities such as analytical ability, independence, collaboration skills, and motivation for research are highly valued.
The position is a 4-year employment as a PhD student, with salary according to university regulations. Teaching and departmental duties may be added up to 20%. Placement is in Luleå, Sweden, with a start date according to agreement. For further information, contact Professor Lena Alakangas at [email protected]. Union representatives are also available for inquiries.
To apply, submit your CV, personal letter, and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities via the online application link. Mark your application with reference number 2788-2026. Applications must be written in English or Swedish. The deadline for applications is April 21, 2026.
