Postdoc position in Applied Geochemistry

Luleå University of Technology; Luleå kommun; On-site; SEK 420,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Luleå University of Technology invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position in Applied Geochemistry focusing on microalgae-based treatment of mine-impacted waters. The project investigates metal uptake, bioash nutrients, and scalable cultivation under lab and pilot scales.

Applicants should hold a PhD in relevant fields and have demonstrated experience with microalgae cultivation, analytical methods, and multidisciplinary teamwork; English communication essential; fieldwork across

Qualifications

• PhD or foreign degree equivalent to a PhD in applied geochemistry, biogeochemistry, microbiology, algal biotechnology, environmental sciences or similar.
• Documented experience cultivating microalgae and planning controlled algal experiments.
• Experience in metal mobility, algal ecophysiology, metal uptake or biosorption, mine-water or wastewater treatment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate selected microalgae under laboratory and pilot-scale conditions.
• Evaluate recycled bio ashes as a source of nutrients or growth-promoting components.
• Quantify metal uptake by biomass and assess treatment performance over time.
• Investigate harvesting and characterization of metal-enriched algal biomass.
• Design scalable micro-algae-based treatment to improve water quality and enable metal recovery.

Skills

Microalgae cultivation

Controlled algal experiments

Metal uptake / biosorption

Algal ecophysiology

Statistical analysis

English communication

Education

PhD in applied geochemistry / biogeochemistry / microbiology / algal biotechnology / environmental sciences

Tools

Photobioreactors

Trace-element analysis

Geochemical methods

Mineralogical methods

Job description

Applied Geochemistry at LTU focuses on the occurrence and mobility of elements and the geochemical processes that occur in rock, soil and water at the Earth’s surface. Research is carried out on both natural and anthropogenic sources influencing the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. This is achieved by combining analytical chemistry, isotopic geochemistry, environmental forensics and environmental mineralogy. Research and education in this subject address environmental issues tied to the mining industry, infrastructure construction, acid sulfate soils and sulphide-bearing rocks. Special focus is put on Critical Raw Material (CRM, incl. e.g. REE, W, V) mobilization in the environment.

The research group has a strong experimental and applied profile, with well-equipped laboratories and extensive collaborations with industry and the public sector, all geared towards building a long-term sustainable society.

Subject Description

Applied Geochemistry is concerned with studies into the occurrence and mobility of the elements in rocks, soil, and water, focusing on methods to prevent or reduce the environmental impact of metal extraction and infrastructure development.

Project description

Mining and other anthropogenic activities can release metals and critical elements into surrounding waters, creating risks for water quality and ecosystems. Microalgae offer a promising basis for passive or low-energy treatment because they can accumulate metals in their biomass while producing a material that may allow valuable elements to be recovered.

The project focuses on the interactions between microalgae, dissolved and particle-bound metals, and the geochemical conditions in mine-impacted waters. It will determine how factors such as pH, nutrient availability, metal concentrations, mineral particles, and bioash additions affect algal growth, metal uptake, and metal partitioning. Geochemical and mineralogical analyses will be combined with measurements of algal biomass and physiological performance to identify the mechanisms controlling removal and recovery of trace elements and rare earth elements.

Duties

A central part of the work is to cultivate selected microalgae under controlled laboratory and pilot-scale conditions and evaluate recycled bio ashes as a source of nutrients or growth-promoting components. The research will optimize cultivation and exposure conditions, quantify metal uptake by the biomass, assess treatment performance over time, and investigate options for harvesting and characterizing metal-enriched algal biomass.

The aim is to provide the mechanistic and operational knowledge needed to design a scalable micro-algae-based treatment system that improves water quality and supports the recovery of valuable metals.

Qualifications

In order to be eligible for employment as post doctor you must have a PhD or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD in applied geochemistry, biogeochemistry, microbiology, algal biotechnology, environmental sciences, Earth sciences or similar. A doctoral degree awarded no more than three years before the application deadline provides a useful qualification. Candidates who have been awarded a doctoral degree at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds, for example, different types of statutory leave of absence.

Required Qualifications

You must have documented experience of cultivating microalgae and planning and conducting controlled algal experiments. Experience of one or more of the following is an advantage: metal mobility; algal ecophysiology; metal uptake or biosorption; mine-water or wastewater treatment; photobioreactors or scale-up of algal cultures; biomass harvesting and characterization; trace-element analysis; geochemical or mineralogical methods; and statistical analysis of multivariate experimental data.

Personal Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral.
• Willingness to participate in fieldwork across Sweden.

Further information

Postdoc position for two years with placement in Luleå. Starting: November 1, 2026 or as soon as possible after that.

For each position, a preliminary salary range is specified, based on the position’s requirements, responsibilities, and prevailing market conditions.

For further information about the position, please contact Senior Lecturer Sarah Conrad, [phone], [e-mail]

Union representatives

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.