Project Coordinator of Smart Exploration Research Center

The Department of Earth Sciences is one of Europe's most comprehensive earth science departments, with approximately 300 employees. Our activities are interdisciplinary and combine natural science and technology with social science. We have research programs in air, water and landscape science; geophysics; natural resources and sustainable development; petrology, mineralogy and tectonics; paleobiology, and wind energy. By investigating the history of Earth, we understand how our planet has developed over time and how sustainable development benefits from this knowledge. For more information: Department of Earth Sciences

The department is coordinating a nation-wide research center for the exploration of critical raw materials (for 2024-2029), supported by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) and global players in this field. While the focus is on new solutions covering a wide range of topics and scales from geology, geophysics, geochemistry, mineral economy, drilling, tech-type solutions for effective exploration, to nanotech for geometallurgy applications, there will also be aspects related to ESGs (environmental, social and governance). The center has a number of core partners from Stockholm University, Lund University and University of Gothenburg as well as Tyréns, Epiroc, Smarkand2015, Amkvo, BitSim, Nordic Iron Ore, Eurobattery Minerals and First Quantum Minerals and is supported by Nordic Geological Surveys and several global exploration and mining companies.

Duties

Given the wide range of partners involved, planned activities in different thematical hubs, and exploration sites, we require a project coordinator for the centre with preferably a geological or science communication and/or a management background to support us in the coordination, planning and execution of the center activities. These activities include traveling (e.g. for meetings), reporting within the consortium and to the industry partners, as well as communication with the existing partners and beyond. The role may also involve tasks related to outreach and popular news and science publications.

Requirements

We are seeking a candidate with interest in management, science communication, HSE (health, safety and environment), innovation, dissemination and exploitation of center’s results. The ideal candidate should have experience in mineral exploration and/or instrumentation and/or business and hold an academic magister/master- or engineering degree, or equivalent, in business, management, earth sciences or a related field. Excellent proficiency with English, web tools, software suitable for science communication, professional reporting or illustrations and presentation are needed.

Application

Applications must include a CV, certified copies of diplomas and certificates, and a personal letter describing yourself and your relevant experience (maximum 2 pages). The application should also contain a summary of your professional background and at least three referees. In your cover letter specifically explain how much experience you have in boosting new technologies towards the market and in particular for mineral exploration.

About the employment

The employment is a permanent position (probationary period may be applied. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1 February, 2026 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Prof. Alireza Malehmir tel. +46(0)18-4712335, e-mail: alireza.malehmir@geo.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 30 December 2025, UFV-PA 2025/3970.