PhD Student in Water and Wastewater Engineering at Luleå University of Technology

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 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 creating 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 offer a wide range of educational programs to match the skills in demand. We hope you want to help us build the sustainable companies and communities of the future.

The research subject Water and Wastewater Engineering at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, is seeking a driven and committed PhD student who wants to delve into issues regarding how sustainable management of stormwater sediments can contribute to improved water quality. Take the opportunity to be part of one of the leading stormwater research groups in the world with an international, creative, and dynamic environment in close collaboration with industry and universities worldwide.

Subject Description

Water and Wastewater Engineering encompasses the entire urban water system (stormwater, drinking water, and wastewater) concerning collection, transport, treatment, and organization/planning. The research aims for good socio-economics and environmental sustainability, wise resource utilization, and the safety and health of citizens.

Project Description

Stormwater transports a variety of pollutants from urban environments, posing significant challenges for the protection of surface and groundwater. The management of sediments transported by stormwater is a complex issue involving practical, legal, and environmental challenges, which means that the water and wastewater industry has a great interest and involvement in the project. The sediments act as carriers and sources of pollutants, making safe and environmentally friendly management crucial.

The work within the project includes evaluating and developing technical solutions for sediment management and detailed characterization of sediments from various types of stormwater facilities and roads to understand their properties and potential for circular use. The long-term goal is to create conditions for circular sediment management, reduce the spread of pollutants to surface and groundwater, and optimize the maintenance of stormwater systems.

Within this project, the PhD student will be involved in collaboration with a network of national actors in the water and wastewater industry and communicate results both with the industry and international researchers through LTU's strong 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 as part of your institutional duties. Throughout the journey, you will have two to three supervisors supporting you in your work. The research work for this project will specifically involve experimental work (planning, organizing, and conducting, for example, sediment sampling, laboratory studies, and pilot trials).

Qualifications

Applicants should have a Master's degree in Environmental and Water Engineering, Natural Resource Engineering, Civil Engineering, Road and Water Engineering, Chemistry, or another equivalent field. Specific knowledge of stormwater management, urban pollution sources, and the environmental behavior of pollutants, as well as experience in sampling, analytical chemistry, laboratory work, and statistics, are meritorious. Furthermore, a good ability to work independently and drive projects forward, as well as to engage with new issues, 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 meritorious. Having a driver's license is also an advantage.

Applicants should be able to provide contact information for two referees upon request. For more information about specific PhD education, see the study plans for doctoral education within the Faculty of Engineering.

Information

Employment as a PhD student 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 Alexandra Müller at 0920-49 30 78, [email protected].

Union Representative

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. Please 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: 659-2026