Postdoctor position in Urban Water Engineering

Luleå Tekniska Universitet; Luleå kommun; On-site; SEK 330,000 - 370,000; Full time

Job summary

Luleå Tekniska Universitet is seeking a Postdoctoral researcher in Urban Water Engineering focused on data-driven understanding and predictive modelling of sediment accumulation in urban drainage infrastructures. The position involves independent research, potential teaching duties, and active collaboration with industry and international researchers.

Applicants should have a recent PhD in a related field and a strong initiative for independent research. The role is full-time for two years, starting in Autumn 2026, based in Luleå.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in water and environment, natural resources engineering, civil engineering, or environmental chemistry.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Good oral and written skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan and carry out research work.
• Write scientific papers and participate in conferences.
• Potentially teach undergraduate courses and engage in administrative tasks.

Skills

stormwater management

Bayesian statistics

sediment transport processes

machine learning

programming

field sampling

sensor‑based monitoring

Education

PhD in water and environment or related field

Job description

Data-driven understanding & predictive modelling of sediment accumulation in 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 data-driven monitoring and predictive modelling of sediment accumulation in urban drainage infrastructures to support evidence-based maintenance that contributes to improved water quality and enhanced urban resilience to flooding. 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. The group's overall goal is to contribute to the development of sustainable urban water systems.

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 transports a wide range of pollutants from urban environments to receiving waters, posing major challenges for the protection of surface waters and coastal ecosystems. Urban drainage infrastructures, such as gully pots and stormwater ponds, play a critical role by retaining sediments and associated contaminants. However, their performance depends on effective operation and maintenance (O&M), which in practice is often reactive or based on fixed schedules, despite large spatial and temporal variability in sediment accumulation. This PhD project is part of a larger interdisciplinary research initiative aimed to enable a transition towards more data-driven and environmentally responsible maintenance of urban drainage infrastructures.

The research work will focus on developing a data-driven understanding of sediment accumulation processes in urban drainage infrastructures. This includes long‑term monitoring using high‑resolution sensors to capture sediment dynamics across rainfall events and seasons. Based on these data, predictive models will be developed to estimate sediment accumulation and infrastructure’s remaining functionality. The results will support more effective maintenance strategies by identifying when and where maintenances are needed to maximise environmental performance and operational efficiency.

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 Postdoctoral researcher 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 field sampling 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, Bayesian statistics, sediment transport processes, hydraulics/hydrology, thermodynamics (e.g. heat transfer processes)
• experience of sensor‑based monitoring, field sampling, machine learning, programming 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 Postdoctoral researcher

Haoyu Wei (+46)920‑491728, mailto:[e-mail]

Union representatives

SACO‑S Diana Chroneer, (+46 )920‑49 2037 mailto:[e-mail]

OFR‑S Marika Vesterberg, (+46)920‑49 1721 mailto:[e-mail]

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Closing date for applications: August 17, 2026

Reference number: 3516-2026