PhD Student in Digital Mining – Automation and development of new, technologies in mining engineering

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 1.9 billion. Today, we have 1,815 staff and 19,155 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.



We are now seeking a highly motivated PhD student who can contribute towards science and technology in Digital Mining and Automation and its applications in the mining industry.



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

In the underground mines wheel loaders, known as LHD machines, is mostly used to load and transport the ore. Today these machines have become more advanced with computerized measurement and control systems that can monitor and measure the machine performance and also properties of the ore contained in the bucket. Modern drilling equipment is often automated, supervised from remote locations. The data monitored on these machines are capable of providing detailed rock mass characteristics and other important production performance parameters to engineers and management. The visualization and presentation of data-based information to management and operators for decision making in a production environment, is also an important part of utilizing this large data set. For interested candidates it is important to have a large interest in analysis and modelling based on large datasets, Data mining. However, even with high skills and data knowledge a solid understanding of mining and mining systems is vital in order to understand the end users requirements and needs, which is vital to reach disruptive, implemented new development in the mining industry.



You will be involved in research related to automated mobile mining equipment such as loaders, drill rigs and rock support. The research includes topics such mine digitalisation and automation, mobile mining equipment, data analysis and filtering of large data sets, measurement while drilling, etc.



Duties

As a PhD student you are expected to perform both theoretical work and field work in close cooperation with industrial partners. You will also communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. In addition, you can have the opportunity to teach at different levels at the University.



We offer a stimulating and dynamic research environment with an extensive national and international network along with interesting, exciting research projects conducted in collaboration with the private and public sector.



Qualifications

Eligible candidates for this post as a doctoral student must hold a Master of Science in Mining Engineering with a strong interest in data analysis or a Master of Science in Computer Engineering with knowledge in Mining Engineering or equivalent education and background in relevant subjects.



An individual fulfills the general eligibility requirements for the third-cycle educational program when he or she 1) has completed a second-cycle degree, 2) has completed higher education courses worth at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 are for second-cycle courses, or 3) in some other manner, in this country or abroad, has acquired the equivalent qualifications.



In addition to good grades in relevant subjects from the undergraduate degree, the following selection criteria will be used;

• Good knowledge, skills and interest in computerized data analysis and model development.
• Documented skills in programming in e.g. Matlab, Python or similar
• Excellent problem solving and interpersonal skills.
• Good knowledge and interest in mining and mining related topics.
• Practical mining-related experience is a plus.
• Interest in and ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multilingual environment.
• Excellent skills in English writing. Documented good results from TOEFL-test, IELTS or similar is a plus.
• Knowledge of Swedish to communicate in industrial projects is valued, courses in Swedish are available and encouraged.

For further information about a specific subject see General curricula for the Board of the faculty of science and technology



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, Sweden. Starting: January 2023.



For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Anna Gustafson, anna.gustafson@ltu.se +46 920-49 3309 or Professor Håkan Schunnesson, hakan.schunnesson@ltu.se



Union representatives:

SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se 

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

Please apply for this position by clicking on the link below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities, results from English proficiency tests (if there is one). Include contact information to three personal references. Mark your application with the reference number below. Please write your application in English since we have English speaking persons in the recruitment group.



Reference number: 3642-2022

Closing date for applications: November 15, 2022