PhD Student in Urban Water Engineering

Annons: 29752069
Yrke: Doktorand
Arbetsgivare: Luleå tekniska universitet
Arbetets ort: Luleå, Norrbottens län
Senaste ansökningsdatum: 2025-09-05
Publiceringsdatum: 2025-06-05


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Presentation:

Pollutant processes in nature-based stormwater systems

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 nearly SEK 2,1 billion per year. We currently have 1,900 employees and 18,700 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.


The Urban Water Engineering research group at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural resources engineering at Luleå University of Technology seeks a driven and committed PhD student with a focus on pollutant processes in nature-based stormwater systems.

The Urban Water Engineering research group has a strong position in research and education on urban water systems, primarily stormwater, small-scale wastewater and sewage systems.
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. More information on www.ltu.se/water.

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
Urban stormwater is contaminated by a wide range of toxic substances, including trace metals and organic contaminants (e.g. hydrocarbons, alkylphenols, PFAS). To reduce pollutant loads that may harm the quality of receiving waters, nature-based solutions (e.g. vegetated, soil-based filters known as stormwater biofilters) are increasingly used to treat stormwater in Sweden and internationally. We are recruiting a PhD student to conduct research on connecting a laboratory-based understanding of pollutant processes to the field behavior of full-scale systems. The research work will covers two main topics: (1) laboratory column experiments with isotopic (14C) tracing of key organic contaminants and (2) process-based computational modeling to connect laboratory results with data from previous field-monitoring campaigns.

Duties
You will perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research area as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies, including both research and coursework. In addition, you will also carry out departmental duties, such as teaching and/or assisting in other research projects. Research work for this project will specifically include experimental work (planning, organizing and carrying out isotope tracing experiments in a laboratory set-up) and modeling (process-based computational models of pollutant transport processes in soil-water systems).

Qualifications
MSc degree or equivalent or fully completed course requirements of at least 240 ETCS of which at least 60 ETCS are at an advanced level or equivalent. The degree should be within the field of water and environment, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, natural resources engineering, agricultural engineering, civil engineering, sustainable urban development, environmental science or equivalent. Knowledge in water treatment, chemical process engineering or pollutant transport in soil systems is required.

Specific knowledge of urban water engineering, organic environmental chemistry, geochemistry, chemical process modeling, urban and/or soil hydrology, stormwater management, basic computer programming (e.g. Matlab or Python) and experience carrying out soil column experiments and/or isotopic tracing are meritorious. Other important skills are the ability to work independently and take an initiative, as well as being able to explore new research areas.  

English language skills are required since the research will be conducted in international collaboration and the results will be presented internationally in scientific journals and at conferences. 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 on request.

For further information about a specific subject see
* General syllabus 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 to that time with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: Autumn 2025.

For further information about the position, please contact Senior Lecturer Kelsey Flanagan, +46 920-491284, kelsey.flanagan@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.

Closing date for applications: 5 September 2025
Reference number: 2555-2025

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