PhD Student in Applied Geophysics

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a doctoral student with us, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong, international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and solid funding opportunities. You will be offered secure employment, high-quality supervision, and room to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.

Luleå University of Technology, together with the Geological Survey of Sweden and several Swedish industrial partners, is launching a multidisciplinary research project on natural hydrogen resource development and underground hydrogen storage.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate in Applied Geophysics to contribute to this exciting project which offers a unique opportunity to work with leading researchers and industry partners to address one of the key challenges of the energy transition.

As a doctoral student, you will receive excellent supervision, access to advanced research facilities, and opportunities to develop into an internationally recognized researcher.

Subject description

Applied Geophysics includes studies of how the laws and methods of physics can be used to understand the properties of bedrock and soil deposits. This includes development and applications of methods for exploration and investigation of natural resources such as mineral deposits and water, as well as investigation of environmental and infrastructural related issues.

Project description

For this PhD position, the research will focus on evaluating the potential of natural hydrogen production in Norrbotten County in Sweden using an integrated field and numerical modeling approach. Your tasks are to:

- reprocess and jointly model the available regional magnetotelluric (MT), gravity and magnetic data to develop an initial model for screening the subsurface to select areas with H2-potential source rocks;

- acquire and process new MT and controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) field data in targeted areas;

- perform integrated 3D modelling of MT, CSEM and gravity or magnetic data from targeted areas to characterise potential natural hydrogen production systems;

- perform model verification and selection of sites with optimum potential for hydrogen generation.

The project is carried out in close collaboration between Luleå University of Technology, the Geological Survey of Sweden, and several Swedish industrial partners. The successful candidate will work closely with researchers specializing in rock mechanics, underground construction, geophysics and geology, while interacting regularly with industrial stakeholders.

Duties

As a PhD student, you will:

- conduct independent research combining field investigations and numerical modelling of multimodal data (taking into account subsurface structural complexity and anisotropy);

- develop methodologies for evaluating and ranking natural hydrogen prospectivity in Norrbotten region;

- publish research findings in leading international scientific journals;

- present research at national and international conferences;

- complete doctoral coursework required for the degree.

The majority of your working time will be devoted to doctoral research. Depending on departmental needs, you may also have the opportunity to gain experience in teaching and supervision.

You will become a member of the Network of Young Scientists (NYS) within CH2ESS, which organizes workshops, field excursions, interdisciplinary networking activities and professional development events.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold an MSc degree (or equivalent) in one of the following areas:

- Geophysics

- Physics (with specialization in electromagnetism or computational physics)

- or a closely related discipline.

A driving license is essential since geophysical fieldwork is required in this project.  Experience in geophysical fieldwork is an advantage. A good background in numerical modelling of geophysical data is also an advantage.

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

- strong analytical and problem-solving skills;

- enthusiasm for scientific research;

- ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams;

- excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.

Knowledge of Swedish is considered an advantage because some fieldwork, industrial interaction and teaching activities may require communication in Swedish, but it is not a mandatory requirement.

For further information about a specific subject, see:

http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd?l=en

Further information

Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. The expected start date for the position is October-December 2026.

For each position, a preliminary salary range is provided based on the requirements, responsibilities, and market conditions associated with the role 

https://www.ltu.se/en/about-the-university/work-with-us/applying-for-a-job#h-Informationonpaytransparency 

For further information, please contact:

Professor Maxwell Meju, +46(0) 920-492261, maxwell.meju@ltu.se

Associate Professor Maxim Smirnov, +46(0) 73-0834998, maxim.smirnov@ltu.se

https://www.ltu.se/en/about-the-university/work-with-us/applying-for-a-job#h-Tradeunioncontacts

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. If available, please include documentation of English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English, or equivalent). Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Closing date for applications: september 30, 2026

Reference number: 4684–2026