Mehdi Parian

Luleå University of Technology, a leading institution in the Arctic region, is seeking a PhD student in Mineral Processing to join an international research group focused on the optimization of comminution circuits based on ore mineralogy and texture. The university is renowned for its innovative education and ground-breaking research, collaborating closely with industry leaders, public actors, and top universities worldwide. This position is part of a collaborative project with the mining company Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag (LKAB), aiming to develop and optimize comminution circuits for iron oxide ores of varying quality and mineral associations. The research group’s work is structured around three pillars: material characterization (mineralogical and particle analyses), unit operations (comminution and separation processes), and system engineering approaches (modeling, simulation, and geometallurgy). The project will involve both theoretical and experimental work, utilizing state-of-the-art laboratory facilities equipped with advanced analytical instruments and a wide range of process equipment. The PhD student will focus on characterizing feed ores in terms of grindability, mineralogical, and textural properties, correlating these with comminution behavior, energy consumption, and fines generation. Additional tasks include assessing limitations in existing circuits, benchmarking modern grinding technologies, and developing predictive models linking ore texture to grinding efficiency and mineral liberation. The research will support the design of future flowsheets and contribute to increased productivity and resource efficiency in mineral processing. Applicants must hold a master’s degree (120 ECTS) in mineral processing, natural resource engineering, or a closely related field, with strong theoretical and experimental background in beneficiation methods and mineralogical characterization. Excellent numerical skills and proficiency in English are required, while Swedish language skills are considered a strong merit. The position is salaried for four years, with the possibility of extension for departmental duties up to 20%. The successful candidate will also participate in doctoral courses and the department’s researcher school, and will have opportunities to present research at national and international conferences. To apply, submit your CV, personal letter, and verified diplomas (in English or Swedish) via the university’s online application portal, referencing number 375-2026. The application deadline is February 8, 2026. For further information, contact Associate Professor Mehdi Parian, Senior Lecturer Cecilia Lund, or Professor Jan Rosenkranz. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in mineral processing and to be part of the transformation towards a fossil-free society in Northern Sweden.

Luleå University of Technology, a leading institution in the Arctic region, is offering a fully funded PhD student position in mineral processing, focusing on the beneficiation and purification of graphite ores. The university is renowned for its innovative education and ground-breaking research, collaborating closely with industry and public partners to drive the green transition and sustainable development. This position is part of a dynamic research group working on a project that aims to develop and optimize separation and purification strategies for graphite ores, which are critical raw materials for battery production and the green transition. The research will involve designing beneficiation processes, including gravity separation, froth flotation with biodegradable reagents and nano-bubbles, and selective leaching to remove impurities. The project will also explore advanced purification methods to upgrade graphite concentrates to battery-grade products. A key focus will be on understanding how mineralogical and textural characteristics of graphite ores influence process performance and separation efficiency. Experimental work will be conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with the latest analytical instruments and process equipment. As a PhD student, you will engage in both theoretical and experimental research, collaborate with colleagues and industrial partners, and participate in national and international conferences. You will also undertake compulsory and optional doctoral courses and be part of the department's researcher school. The main tasks include laboratory-scale testing of beneficiation processes, characterization of materials using techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and XRD, and scientific writing and dissemination of results. Applicants must have a master's degree (120 ECTS) in mineral processing, natural resource engineering, or an equivalent field, with strong theoretical and experimental background in mineral processing and mineralogical characterization. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required. The position is based in Luleå, Sweden, and employment is limited to 4 years, with possible teaching and departmental duties up to 20%. The application should include a CV, personal letter, and verified diplomas, written in English or Swedish. The deadline for applications is January 11, 2026. For further information, contact Professor Saeed Chelgani, Professor Jan Rosenkranz, or Associate Professor Mehdi Parian. Apply online using the provided links and reference number 6067-2025. Join Luleå University of Technology to contribute to cutting-edge research and the sustainable supply of critical raw materials for a fossil-free future.

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.