The Urban Water Research Group at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering at Luleå University of Technology seeks a driven and committed PhD student with focus on sources to stormwater pollutants.

The Urban Water engineering research group has a strong position regarding research and education within the area of urban water systems mainly regarding stormwater, wastewater and sewer systems. Being part of the Urban Water group implies working in an international and creative environment. The group consists of a number of senior researchers, adjunct professors and about 15 doctoral candidates. The group has an extensive national and international collaboration network. The group’s overall aim 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 waste water) 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
Densification of urban areas due to growing urbanisation risks increasing the pollutant loads to lakes and watercourses in the urban environment and surroundings. The overall aim with this project is to obtain knowledge about the contribution of pollutants from diffuse sources in the urban environment to stormwater, and identify potential risks based on element speciation to be able to make informed decisions when planning and building urban structures and stormwater control measures. This will be done by a) screening different materials and structures used in the built environment in order to identify specific sources and their associated pollutants that contribute to deterioration of the stormwater quality, b) quantify the release of substances from selected surfaces; under controlled conditions as well as in the field, c) identify potential risks of pollutants in runoff based on element speciation, and point out appropriate stormwater control measures for the pollutants due to their fractionation characteristics, d) model how the release of substances may affect the stormwater quality at present and in the future. The PhD studies will therefore be based on laboratory as well as field work.

The PhD position is part of DRIZZLE – Centre for Stormwater Management a Research Centre of Excellence. In DRIZZLE, researchers at Luleå University of Technology, companies, and municipalities will develop pioneering, research-based stormwater management knowledge and solutions: to minimize pollution loads discharged into receiving waters; to minimize the risk for flooding in urban areas; and to exploit the beneficial opportunities that stormwater runoff can offer. DRIZZLE consists of 11 parties, i.e. Aarsleff Rörteknik AB, Stormwater&Sewers, Järven Ecotech AB, Luleå Municipality, Luleå University of Technology (project manager), NCC Infrastructure, Rent Dagvatten AB, Stockholm City, Stockholm Water, Tyréns and StormTac AB.

Duties
The work as a PhD student are varied. The PhD candidate independently plan and carry out laboratory and field work. Further tasks include the writing of scientific papers and the doctoral thesis as well as the participation in Swedish and international conferences. Two supervisors support the PhD candidate during the research studies. Third-cycle education also includes courses that the PhD candidate attend. The PhD studies are 4 years, fulltime. Upon this, you may also have the opportunity to teach in undergraduate courses and administrative tasks may also be included, all together up to one year which will be added to the 4 years. The majority of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies.

Qualifications
The applicant shall hold a second-cycle degree (MSc, fully completed course requirements of at least 240 ETCS of which at least 60 ETCS on advanced level, or equivalent) in environmental or natural resources engineering, urban water engineering or equivalent. English language skills are required to facilitate the candidate’s presentation of research outcomes at international conferences and in scientific papers. Further skills needed are the ability to work independently and take own initiatives as well as independently penetrate new research areas. It is preferable if you hold a driving license to facilitate field work. The applicant should be able provide two referees on request.

For further information about a specific subject see; General curricula for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added up to maximum 20 % of fulltime.

For further information about the position, please contact, Professor Maria Viklander, (+46) 70 3301486, maria.viklander@ltu.se

Union representatives: SACO-S Christer Gardelli, (+46)920-49 1809 christer.gardelli@ltu.se and OFR-S Lars Frisk, 0920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

Luleå University of Technology is actively working on equality and diversity that contributes to a creative study- and work environment. The University’s core values are based on respect, trust, openness and responsibility.

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

Application
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.

Reference number: 2784-2019
Last day of application: August 25, 2019