Website Linnaeus University
Job description
The position is within a Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) PhD research school on Mining and Mineral Research that is a collaboration between Linnaeus University, Luleå University of Technology (LTU), and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. The BioGeoMetals research school will focus on biogeochemical approaches to sustainable metal recovery from mining waste rock, tailings, and run-off water in Sweden along with bioremediation of these acidic and metal laden sites.
Specifically, the PhD will investigate the selective recovery of metals from sourced mine waste (liquid/solid) in line with the research school, BioGeoMetals. In particular, the selection and modification of biosorbents for task-specific metal recovery from possible bio-mediated solutions, followed by parametric optimization and modelling, along with characterization studies.
According to the Higher Education Ordinance, a person appointed to a doctoral studentship should primarily devote himself/herself to his/her own studies. An appointee may, however, work to a limited extent with education, research, artistic development, and administration. However, before a doctoral degree has been awarded, duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20% of a full-time post.
Requirements
A person fulfils the general entry requirements if he/she:
- has been awarded a degree on second-cycle level
- completed the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits, of which 60 credits on second-cycle level, or
- in another way, in Sweden or abroad, has acquired principally equivalent knowledge.
Specific requirements for this position are:
- Has completed at least 90 credits in courses within microbiology or other relevant fields of which at least 30 credits are at the advanced level, or has equivalent knowledge acquired in other ways, in Sweden or abroad.
Assessment grounds
The assessment will focus on the applicant’s ability to successfully complete the doctoral program. Particular emphasis is placed on the candidate’s motivation, ability to conduct doctoral studies, as well as the breadth and composition of previous education. It is of benefit to show:
- Excellent proficiency in written and spoken English, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a research team.
- Experience with metal laden samples handling and background understanding on metal-to-microbe interaction, including fundamentals of the biosorption process.
- Documented knowledge and experience in field- and laboratory work such as DNA/RNA extractions and preparation of samples for next generation sequencing and the interpretation of data therefrom.
- Experience in scientific writing and data management.
- Demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary research.
- Personal suitability will also be considered in the assessment.
Please note that photo identification must be presented at the time of the interview.
Contact persons:
Deputy head of department: Andreas Svensson, andreas.svensson@lnu.se
Research leader: Mark Dopson, mark.dopson@lnu.se, +46-(0) 480-447334
HR partner: Marianne Palmér, marianne.palmer@lnu.se
Want to know more about the research environment Eemis in biology? Check out Lnu.se
Welcome with your application no later than April 1st, 2026.
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