Postdoc Position in Urban Water Engineering With a Focus on Stormwater Flows and Sensors

The internationally leading Urban Water Engineering research group at Luleå University of Technology has two exciting positions available in stormwater management, at Postdoctoral (ref nr 2191-2023) and PhD (ref nr 2190-2023) levels. Working within the VINNOVA-funded DRIZZLE Centre of Excellence for stormwater management provides an opportunity to work closely with companies, municipalities and researchers in undertaking needs driven research to reduce the risk of flooding in cities, minimize pollution loads discharging to receiving waters, and capture the opportunities that stormwater runoff can offer. 

The Urban Water Engineering research group is a global leader in urban water systems research and education, with a particular focus on stormwater, wastewater and treatment using nature-based solutions. The overall aim of the group is to contribute to the development of sustainable urban water systems. Being part of the group involves working in an international and creative environment, with about 45 staff members from 20 different countries including Swedish and international adjunct professors and 25 doctoral candidates. 

Subject description

Urban Water Engineering encompasses the entire urban water system (storm drains, drinking water supply and wastewater) with respect to collection, transport and treatment, as well as organization and planning. The research aims to encourage a strong economy, clean environment, and the wise use of resources, while preserving the public’s health and safety. 

Project description

A key effect of a warming climate is changes in the magnitude, frequency, and duration of rainfall events. As a result, cities face challenges related to both managing stormwater, for example increased flooding risks and need to protect receiving water quality, and increased periods of drought, with droughts now experienced for part of the year even in the relatively wetter Northern European climates. As climate change progresses and rates of urbanization expand, these challenges are expected to increase, with demand to close the water loop, collect and store stormwater for use in times of drought, increasing. Effective management and planning of stormwater systems requires detailed knowledge about the systems’ behavior. Whilst different approaches exist to gain this information, including field measurements and computer models, each have their own advantages and disadvantages which have yet to be rigorously evaluated and their associated uncertainties, and methods for their reduction, developed. The aim of this project is to investigate novel field and model-based approaches to understanding urban stormwater processes, for example whether more types and/or locations of field measurements, and therefore less extrapolation using models, or vice-versa will generate more robust understandings of stormwater systems, together with implications on costs. The project will include investigations into different options for measurements in stormwater systems, as well as different options for modelling such systems, including the use of measurement data for model calibration. 

Duties

As a Post-doctoral researcher, you will independently plan and carry out your research work. Further tasks include the writing of scientific papers and the participation in Swedish and international conferences. You may also have the possibility to teach in undergraduate courses and administrative tasks may be included up to 20% of fulltime. You will have two supervisors who will support you. 

Qualifications

To be eligible for employment as post-doctoral researcher you must have a PhD or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD in the field of water and environment, natural resources engineering or civil engineering. Candidates with a degree in machine learning or similar that are interested in applying their knowledge in the field of stormwater management are also welcome to apply. 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.

The applicant should have the ability to work independently and take own initiatives as well as being able to independently address new research areas. Good oral and written skills in English are essential to facilitate presentation of research outcomes in international conferences and scientific papers. It is advantageous if you have knowledge of:

• urban water engineering
• hydraulic modelling, hydrological modelling, and/or machine learning methods
• working with hydrological, meteorological, or environmental measurements. 

Swedish language skills are a merit since there are many contacts with Swedish municipalities and companies. The applicant should be able provide two reference persons on request. 

Further information

Full-time fixed term employment for two years with placement in, Urban Water Engineering, in Lulea. 

Associate senior lecturer Ico Broekhuizen (+46)920-49 3570 ico.broekhuizen@ltu.se

Professor Maria Viklander (+46)920-49 1634 Maria.Viklander@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

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.

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