Arbetsbeskrivning

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Environmentally safe maintenance operations of urban drainage infrastructures

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 Urban Water Engineering research group seeks a driven and committed PhD student 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 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.

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 doctoral student 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 PhD student, you will perform both experimental and theoretical work. You will learn how to collect and analyse scientific data 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. You will have two or three supervisors who support you in your work. The research work for this project will specifically include experimental work.

Qualifications

We seek a candidate with an 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, natural resources engineering, civil engineering, or equivalent. Specific knowledge of stormwater management, urban pollution sources and the environmental behaviour of pollutants as well as experience of sampling, analytical chemistry, laboratory work and statistics are meritorious. Other important skills are the ability to work independently and take initiative, as well as being able to explore new research areas.

English language skills are required since 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 upon request.

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 to that time with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: Autumn 2026.

For further information about the position, please contact Associate Senior Lecturer

Alexandra Müller (+46)920-49 30 78, mailto:[email protected]

Union representatives

SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 )920-49 2037 mailto:[email protected]

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg,(+46)920-49 1721 mailto:[email protected]

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: 3515-2026