Arbetsbeskrivning

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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:[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: 3517-2026