Researcher position in Process Metallurgy, be part of projects relevant to pyrometallurgical processing of primary and secondary sources
Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results and drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are carried out in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.8 billion. Today, we have 1,770 staff and 17,200 students.
In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.
We are looking for a researcher in Process Metallurgy who, together with doctoral students and other senior researchers, will conduct research on resource efficient extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials as well as enabling recycling of in-plant fines through innovative agglomeration and sustainable production of future iron products.
You will be part of ongoing projects relevant to pyrometallurgical processing of primary and secondary sources. These projects are collaborations between Luleå University of Technology, researchers at other national and international research institutes and universities as well as industrial partners.
Take the opportunity to conduct research in a dynamic, international research environment in close collaboration with industry and leading universities worldwide. We, “the Process metallurgy research group”, conduct research and education within the subject areas iron and steel metallurgy, base metal metallurgy, hydrometallurgy and recovery of minerals and metals from residual and end-of-life products. The division has access to well-equipped laboratories for hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical studies, materials characterization and thermodynamics.
Subject description
Process Metallurgy is concerned with the sustainable extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials using both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes.
Project description
As a researcher, you will be involved in several research activities. The purpose of the research project is to develop new knowledge on resource efficient extraction of metals from primary and secondary raw materials as well as enabling recycling of in-plant fines through innovative agglomeration. The specific goals of this project is to: i) investigate the recovery of valuable metals from spent/discarded lithium ion batteries; ii) utilization of organic binders in agglomeration and iii) investigating the possibility of fossil-free production of iron ore agglomerates.
The research activities will be based on experimental work in lab scale, characterization of materials, theoretical calculations using thermodynamic modeling tools and mapping of materials and methods via literature and communication with experienced engineers and researchers at industry and research organizations. The project will be run in close collaboration with industry.
Duties
As a researcher you are expected to independently perform both experimental and theoretical work within the specified research questions, evaluate and report the achieved results.
You will work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to be involved in challenging development projects. The research may include experimental work in the form of leaching studies and experimental high temperatures in lab scale, thermodynamic calculations and characterization of materials using various analytical equipment including XRD, SEM, LOM, etc. Participation in industry investigations may be included.
The work is mainly carried out at Luleå University of Technology in Luleå, but experiments/investigations with industrial partners can also be included.
Qualifications
In order to be eligible for employment you must have a PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Engineering Chemistry, Materials Science or equivalent. Knowledge of metallurgical processes and experience of metals extraction from primary and secondary raw materials, recycling of in-plant fines and recycling of lithium-ion batteries is required. Since much of the work will be done in close collaboration with other researchers and industry partners, the ability to work collaboratively in larger groups is an important asset. You must have good proficiency in written and spoken English.
Information
Fulltime fixed-term employment for 13 months. Placement in Luleå, Sweden.
For further information about the position, please contact Associate professor Hesham Ahmed, +46 920-491309, hesham.ahmed@ltu.se, or Associate professor Charlotte Andersson, +46 920-493628, charlotte.andersson@ltu.se.
Union representatives: SACO-S Kjell Johansson, +46 920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se och OFR-S Lars Frisk, +46 920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se
In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.
Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.
Reference number: 1122-2022
Closing date for applications: April 12, 2022