Climate Change and Adaptation in Urban Watercourses

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We are shaping the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and based in 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: Water Engineering

The research subject Water Engineering is seeking a driven and committed PhD candidate who wants to delve into issues regarding how small watercourses in urban areas are affected by climate change and how these changes can be predicted and managed. Take the opportunity to belong to one of the leading stormwater research groups in the world with an international, creative, and dynamic environment in close collaboration with the industry and universities worldwide.

Subject Description

Water Engineering encompasses the entire urban water system (stormwater, drinking water, and wastewater) with respect to 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

Urbanization has a significant impact on smaller watercourses that flow through cities, which are burdened with larger amounts of incoming stormwater and often have reduced capacity due to culverting and other adaptations of the natural flow path. This can contribute to flood risks in cities, which are also expected to increase due to climate change that may lead to more intense precipitation and altered snowmelt patterns. Various climate adaptation measures such as dams can be built to manage the risks, but the combined effect of urbanization, climate change, and adaptation measures remains complex and needs to be investigated further.

The research project will consist of (1) field measurements along urban watercourses in Umeå where various climate adaptation measures are planned and (2) hydrological and hydraulic modeling of watercourses and climate adaptation measures for current conditions and various future climate scenarios. Results from the project will contribute to better estimates of how urban watercourses and various climate adaptation measures interact. The project is carried out in collaboration with water organizations in Umeå municipality.

Within this project, the PhD candidate will be involved in collaboration with international researchers and communicate results with the industry through LTU's strong established competence network.

Job Responsibilities

A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD candidate, you will be trained in scientific work in the form of data collection and analysis, as well as writing and publishing scientific articles and 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 with other research projects as part of your institutional duties. Throughout the journey, you will have two to three supervisors who support you in your work.

The research work for this project will specifically involve experimental work (planning, organizing, and conducting flow measurements in small watercourses) and hydraulic/hydrological modeling including the investigation of various modeling methods.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a Master's degree or equivalent in Environmental and Water Engineering, Natural Resource Engineering, Civil Engineering, Road and Water Engineering, or another field deemed equivalent. Specific knowledge of hydrology, stormwater management, basic programming (e.g., Matlab or Python), and/or experience in conducting flow measurements or similar is advantageous. 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 advantageous.

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

Information

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

For further information, please contact Assistant Professor Ico Broekhuizen at 0920-49 35 70, [email protected].

Union Representatives

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

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

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, attaching a personal letter, 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.

Application deadline: February 22, 2026
Reference number: 640-2026