Postdoctoral position in Mining and Rock Engineering – “Alternative Mining Methods”

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 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.

Luleå University of Technology is one of Europe’s leading universities in mining and metallurgy. The University offers a unique opportunity for developing, comprehensive research skills throughout the mining chain – from exploration, mining, processing, and metal production to recovery after completing mining activities. There is now an opportunity for a postdoctoral position to investigate new ways of underground mining, under the theme “Alternative Mining Methods”.

Mining and Rock Engineering (MRE) is a research subject within the Division of Mining & Geotechnical Engineering under the umbrella of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering. Research topics within MRE covers key subjects related to mining engineering, rock engineering, rock mechanics, mining technology, mine seismicity, design of rock excavations and tunneling, as well as planning and production processes related to both mining and civil engineering. The MRE group is currently supported by over 45 competent senior staff members, which include post-doctoral staff and PhD students.

Subject Description
Mining and Rock Engineering comprises mining technology, rock engineering and rock mechanics, including rock mass properties, design of rock excavations and tunneling as well as planning and production processes related to both mining and civil engineering.

Project description
The MRE group is expanding its research activities to encompass areas that are becoming significantly important to the Swedish mining industry and also globally. One such challenge is to seek alternative methods of underground mining with increasing depth. On a general note, the traditional mining methods are becoming unstainable given the ever-increasing demands for greener, socially, and environmentally sustainable mining practices, deep mining depths and compliance to international transparency standards. The position is jointly funded by Boliden Minerals AB and Luleå University of Technology through Sustainable Use of Natural Resources (SUN) program.  You will investigate new ways of underground mining and therefore work closely with the mining industry in Sweden to execute this project. Visits to mines in selected countries will complement the research. The case studies will focus on Boliden’s mining scenarios. 

Duties
We offer a stimulating and dynamic research environment with an extensive national and international network along with interesting, exciting research projects. The duties of postdoctoral employment primarily comprise research. Teaching and pedagogical development work may be included in the duties, up to a maximum of 20% of the working hours. In this position you will focus on investigation alternative mining methods with emphasis on deep mining. You will have great freedom to define your own research activities and will be given the opportunity to present and discuss research results nationally and internationally. You may also assist in other related areas of interest within MRE group, which includes teaching and internal collaborations.

Qualifications
To be eligible for this postdoctoral position you must have a PhD degree, or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD in mining engineering, additional background in rock mechanics or geological engineering is a plus. 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.

Evaluation criteria
In addition to a PhD in a relevant subject, the following selection criteria, equally weighted, will be used:

• Good knowledge in underground mining methods, especially the stoping methods. It is highly advantageous to have underground mining experience
• Good knowledge and interest in mine planning, mine design, evaluation of mining methods or related topics in mining engineering, rock engineering and rock mechanics
• Good skills in the use mine design and mine planning software packages
• Independent, innovative, self-going and motivated
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multilingual environment
• Excellent skills in English speaking and writing, documented TOEFL or similar test
• Knowledge of Swedish to communicate in industrial projects is valued
• Have competent computer skills to use mine design and mine planning software packages (to have experience in these software packages is meritorious)

Further information
Full-time fixed term employment for two years with placement in Luleå. Starting as soon as possible or according to agreement.

For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor David Saiang, (+46)920-49 3407 or (+46)72-530 1072, [email protected]

Application
To apply for this postdoctoral position click on the link below.  Your application should include a personal letter of motivation outlining your experience and research interests. Your application should also include a CV, list of publications, names and addresses of three references and copies of relevant university diplomas. Enclose a statement of purpose and the scientific work which you primarily want to use as support for your application. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish. Mark your application with the reference number below.

Closing date for applications: 31 March, 2024
Reference number: 982-2024

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