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.

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

Project description
The aim of this project is to develop methodologies for stress proxy continuous monitoring using seismic tomography, stress inversion, and grid analysis of seismic source parameters and establishing correlations between stress changes and seismicity in the mines. These methodologies are used sometimes in mine environment but their usefulness as stress proxies and their spatial and temporal resolution are not studied. Independent data from in-situ stress monitoring installed in the project and high-quality numerical modelling will be used for verification. The obtained data from the stress monitoring using the proxies will be used to investigate the relationships between stress changes and seismicity in four different mines in Sweden. The results will give solid information for making recommendations for practical applications of the proxies for stress monitoring as well as for seismic hazard assessment and mine design purposes.

Duties
A Post doctor will be involved in research within MRE, related to data analysis in order to define suitable proxies for stress changes and methodology for time-dependent seismic hazard in mines taking into account the stress changes, and to develop a tool for medium- to long-term-seismic hazard. The methodologies and tools will be applied on selected cases in Swedish mines.

You should contribute to research, publication and pedagogical activities and will work in a large team from industry and academia. We offer a stimulating and dynamic research environment with an extensive national and international network along with interesting, exciting research projects.

You will have great freedom to define your own work and procedures and will be given the opportunity to present and discuss research results internationally.

Qualifications
To be eligible for a postdoctor you must have a PhD degree. Furthermore, your previous education should contain rock mechanics engineering or seismology (geophysics), statistical data analysis or similar topic that is appropriate for the project description above.  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’s:

In addition to a PhD in a relevant subject, the following selection criteria will be used;

• Good knowledge and interest in mining-induced seismicity or related topics.
• Some knowledge in underground mining or experience is a plus.
• Practical seismicity-related and rock-mechanics experiences are a plus.
• Good knowledge, skills and interest in computerized data analysis and statistical tools.
• Documented skills in programming for example in Matlab, Python or similar.
• Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Interest in and 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.

Further information
Postdoctoral employment for two years with placement in Luleå. Starting date is as soon as possible in 2023.

For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Savka Dineva (+46)920-49 3214 or (+46)722-068087 savka.dineva@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

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.

Final date for applications: May 31 2023
Reference number: 1918 - 2023