Arbetsbeskrivning

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Optimized and sustainable rehabilitation planning of urban water pipe and street networks

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 urban water pipes and streets could be renovated and renewed together (or not), to achieve a sustainable management of the municipal infrastructure. Take the opportunity to join one of the leading urban water 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, stormwater, small-scale wastewater and sewage systems.

The group consists of about 50 members including senior researchers, Swedish and international adjunct professors and more than 20 doctoral students. The group has an extensive national and international collaboration network.

Subject description

Urban Water Engineering encompasses the entire urban water system (urban drainage, 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

The project Streetwise aims to improve coordination between street works and water/wastewater pipe network renewal in Swedish municipalities. Today, these investments are often planned and financed separately or coordinated based on limited data leading to repeated excavation, higher lifecycle costs, and unnecessary disruption for citizens. Skellefteå municipality is the needs owner and participates through the departments of Water & Wastewater and the Streets, providing a real test bed. Recent research will be the starting point where an existing model will be developed further to optimise the strategic asset management and coordination based on economic, environmental and other societal criteria. You will belong to a research team with researchers from our university as well as external researchers from the research institute RISE which are experts in policy-lab methodology.

The work within the project includes development of an existing Python model and collection of asset management data of municipal infrastructure. Together with other researchers in the team, you will design workshops to be carried out with municipal partners to understand the present routines of coordinating asset management of multiutility infrastructures and be able to develop tools to support their work.

Duties

As a PhD student, you will collect asset management data, develop a Python model and be involved in workshops. 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 mandatory and elective course work. In addition, you will also carry out departmental duties, such as teaching and/or assisting in other research projects. You will have two supervisors who support you in your work, as well as cooperate with other researchers in the project team. The research work for this project will specifically include modelling, including life cycle assessment studies and life cycle costs, as well as being part of policy development for the water sector.

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 civil and/or environmental engineering or natural resources engineering, civil engineering, or equivalent. Specific knowledge of urban water system including the pipe network, Python coding and modelling and life cycle assessments, as well as economics 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 research and 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 Professor Annelie Hedström

(+46)920-49 23 09, 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 16, 2026

Reference number: 3603-2026