PhD Student in Urban Water Engineering

For the full version of the advertisement, see  Environmentally safe maintenance operations of urban drainage infrastructures     Do you want to develop your research and teaching in an environment where collaboration with industry and society is a natural part of the work? With us, you will collaborate with dedicated colleagues, have access to modern research infrastructure, and enjoy strong opportunities to attract external funding. You will have the space to make a real difference for your students, your research, and society at large.     The Urban Water Engineering research group seeks a driven and committed postdoc with a focus on how sustainable management of stormwater sediments can contribute to improved water quality. Take the opportunity to join one of the leading stormwater research groups in the world with an international, creative and dynamic environment and close cooperation with the industry and universities worldwide.   The group consists of about 50 members including senior researchers, Swedish and international adjunct professors and about 20 doctoral students. The group has an extensive national and international collaboration network.   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 organisation 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   Stormwater carries a variety of pollutants from urban environments, posing major challenges for the protection of surface waters. Urban drainage infrastructures such as gully pots and stormwater ponds are critical to mitigate these challenges. Over time, the accumulation of sediments and associated contaminants in these infrastructures lead to an impaired performance and thus requiring routine and environmentally safe maintenance operations. As the use of urban drainage infrastructures expands, the mass of sediments and associated contaminants retained in such infrastructure will continue to grow, amplifying both management challenges and potential environmental risks. Fully characterising these challenges within a wider technical and socio-economic context is essential to ensure that the accumulation of sediments prevents–rather than simply defers– their discharge to coastal environments. Addressing this need is the central aim of this project, responding directly to the needs of municipalities, authorities and practitioners for evidence-based tools, clear governance and legal guidance, environmentally responsible maintenance methods and sustainable financial models, and contributes to reducing land-based pressures on coastal and marine environments through system-level transformation.   The work within the project includes the evaluation and development of technical solutions for operation and maintenance of urban drainage infrastructures as well as detailed characterisation of the waste streams generated from maintenance operations. Within this project, the postdoc will be involved in collaboration with stakeholders in the water and wastewater industry and will communicate results both with the industry and international researchers through well-established competence network. Duties   As a Postdoc you 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 opportunity 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. The research work for this project will specifically include experimental work.   Qualifications   In order to be eligible for employment as postdoc you must have a PhD or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD in the field of water and environment, natural resources engineering, civil engineering or environmental chemistry. 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 initiative 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 and experience of: - stormwater management, urban pollution sources and environmental behaviour of pollutants   - experience of sampling, analytical chemistry, laboratory work and statistics as well as working with large environmental measurement data sets   Swedish/Scandinavian language skills are beneficial, as they will facilitate communication with stakeholders and participation in teaching activities. Having a driver’s license is meritorious, as it will facilitate research work. Applicants should provide contact details to minimum two reference persons upon request. Further information   Full-time fixed term employment for two years with placement in Urban Water Engineering. Placement: Luleå. Starting: Autumn 2026.   For further information about the position, please contact Associate Senior Lecturer   Alexandra Müller (+46)920-49 30 78, mailto:alexandra.muller@ltu.se     Union representatives   SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 )920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se   OFR-S Marika Vesterberg,(+46)920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se     In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.   For the full version of the advertisement, see Job vacancies | Luleå tekniska universitet   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.   Closing date for applications: August 17, 2026   Reference number: 3517-2026

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.   The research subject of Building materials (https://www.ltu.se/en/research/research-subjects/building-materials?l=en) consists of 15 persons, including four professors and two postdocs. The subject focuses on the development of sustainable materials and production technologies for the construction industry, as well as on ice and arctic conditions-related research and education.     Subject description Building Materials includes sustainable building materials and their application technologies, recycling and reuse, and applied building physics, especially focusing on the Arctic conditions.     Project description The production of Portland cement still cannot be qualified as an environmentally friendly process due to high CO2 emissions from burning fuels, calcination of limestone, and the negative effects of mining operations. Several solutions are being implemented worldwide, but none have provided an efficient solution. This project aims to study the possibility of substituting the high-temperature clinkering process with a cold synthesis based on mechanochemistry.     Duties As a PhD student, you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. The tasks will include laboratory tests, analysis of data, and modeling.     Qualifications To be eligible, you must have a master’s degree in materials science or chemistry. You should have basic knowledge of building materials, and you should be fluent in English. The following working/research experience will be of advantage: molecular dynamics modelling (with e.g., LAMMPS open-source software), Thermodynamic modelling, XRD with Rietveld analysis, SEM, TG, DSC, micro-CT, Particle size analysis, calorimetry, and AFM.    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. Starting: January 1, 2027   For further information about the position, please contact Professor Andrzej Cwirzen, (+46) 920-49 3387, andrzej.cwirzen@ltu.se   Union representatives: SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 ) 920-49 2037, diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46) 920-49 1721, marika.vesterberg@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. Recruitment communication and possible interviews may be held in English.     Closing date for applications: August 15, 2026 Reference number: 3267-2026