Hydrological Processes in Nature-Based Stormwater Solutions

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and with a focus on the Arctic region, we create global societal benefits. 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 2.1 billion SEK per year. We currently have 1,900 employees and 18,700 students. In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in large projects aimed at a more sustainable society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly relevant research projects and the societal transformation that follows. We have a wide range of educational programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you want to help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

Research Subject

The subject of Water and Wastewater Engineering is looking for a driven and committed PhD student who wants to deepen their understanding of infiltration dynamics in nature-based stormwater solutions, with the aim of improving process-based understanding and long-term functionality of these systems. The project is fundamentally interdisciplinary and combines hydrological process understanding with geophysical monitoring methods. Take the opportunity to belong to one of the leading stormwater research groups in the world in an international, creative, and dynamic environment in close collaboration with industry and universities worldwide. For more information, see ltu.se/vatten.

Subject Description

Water and Wastewater Engineering encompasses the entire urban water system (stormwater, drinking water, and wastewater) concerning collection, transport, and treatment as well as organization/planning. The research aims for good societal economy and environment, wise resource utilization, and the safety and health of citizens.

Project Description

Nature-based solutions (NBS), such as biofilters and swales, are increasingly used to reduce the risk of urban flooding and reduce pollution loads to recipients. These systems fundamentally rely on infiltration processes in the soil material. Despite their wide application, however, central internal hydrological processes, such as spatial and temporal variation in infiltration, formation of preferential flow paths, and recovery processes after rainfall events, are still poorly understood. Most existing evaluations are based on inflow and outflow measurements, which provide limited information about the internal processes.

The research project aims to improve the process-based understanding of infiltration dynamics in nature-based stormwater solutions through a combination of field monitoring, experimental studies, and modeling. The focus is on spatially and temporally resolved infiltration processes and how rainfall characteristics and seasonal variations, such as freezing and thawing cycles and longer dry periods, affect hydrological function.

The work will include field studies in full-scale NBS facilities, controlled infiltration experiments, and the use of new, non-invasive monitoring methods, such as geophysical methods, to study internal hydrological processes. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with municipalities and international research partners, and the results will be communicated to practitioners through LTU's established competence network.

Job Responsibilities

A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work in the form of data collection and analysis, as well as writing and publishing scientific articles and presenting at national and international conferences. You will also take a number of PhD courses. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to try out teaching roles and/or work on other research projects. Throughout the journey, you will have supervisors who support you in your work.

The research work within the project will include experimental fieldwork, including planning, organizing, and conducting measurements in full-scale nature-based stormwater solutions. Hydrological modeling will be used to support the interpretation of measured infiltration processes and strengthen the process-based understanding of the systems' functionality.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Natural Resource Engineering, Civil Engineering, Water and Wastewater Engineering, or another equivalent field. Specific knowledge in hydrology, stormwater management, experience with environmental or soil-related field measurements (e.g., related to soil-water processes or geophysical methods), and basic knowledge of programming (e.g., MATLAB or Python) are desirable. Furthermore, a good ability to work independently and drive projects forward, as well as to engage with new questions, is required.

The position requires good knowledge of English, as research results will be presented at international conferences and in English-language scientific journals. Knowledge of Swedish or another Scandinavian language is an advantage. Having a driver's license is also an advantage.

Applicants should be able to provide contact information for two references upon request.

Information

Employment as a PhD student is a fixed-term position for 4 years, with teaching and other institutional duties potentially constituting an addition of up to 20% of the original scope. Place of employment is Luleå. Expected start: Spring 2026

For further information, please contact Postdoc Haoyu Wei at 0920-491728, [email protected]

Union Representatives

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 [email protected]
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 [email protected]

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, attaching a personal letter and CV/resume and copies of your degree certificates. Mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates should be written in Swedish or English.

For the full version of the advertisement, see: Job Vacancies | Luleå University of Technology

Application deadline: February 22, 2026
Reference number: 717-2026