hydrological processes in nature-based stormwater solutions Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social 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 almost SEK 2.1 billion per year. We are currently 1,900 employees and have 18,700 students. In the coming years, billions of kronor will be invested in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in major projects aimed at a more sustainable society nationally as well as globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly topical research projects and the social transformation that follows. We have a wide range of programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope that you will help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future. The research subject Urban Water Engineering is looking for a driven and committed PhD student who wants to immerse themselves in infiltration dynamics in nature-based stormwater solutions, with the aim of improving process-based understanding and long-term function 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 foremost stormwater research groups in the world with an international, creative and dynamic environment in close collaboration with industry and universities worldwide. For more information see ltu.se/vatten. Subject description Urban water engineering covers the entire urban water system (surface, drinking and wastewater) with regard to collection, transport, treatment and organization/planning. The research aims at a good socio-economy and environment, wise use of resources and the safety and health of citizens. Project description Nature-based solutions (NBS), such as biofilters and swales, are increasingly being used to reduce the risk of urban flooding and reduce pollution loads to receiving waters. These systems fundamentally rely on infiltration processes in the soil material. However, despite their wide application, key 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 assessments are based on inflow and outflow measurements, which provide limited information on 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 on how rainfall characteristics and seasonal variations, such as freeze-thaw cycles and longer dry periods, affect the 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 is carried out in close collaboration with municipalities and international research partners, and the results will be communicated to practitioners through LTU's established competence network. Work tasks 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 doctoral courses. In addition, you may have the opportunity to try out the role of teacher and/or work on other research projects. Along the way, you will have supervisors to 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 system functioning. Qualifications Applicants should have a Master's degree with specialization in Environment and Water, Natural Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering, Road and Water, or other specialization deemed equivalent. Specific knowledge in hydrology, stormwater management, experience in environmental or soil-related field measurements (e.g. linked to soil-water processes or geophysical methods) and basic knowledge in computer programming (e.g. MATLAB or Python) is an advantage. Furthermore, good ability to work independently and drive projects forward and to familiarize yourself with new issues is needed. The position requires good knowledge of English, as the 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 driving license for a car is an advantage. The applicant must be able to provide contact details for two referees upon request. For further information on specific doctoral studies, see the study plans for doctoral studies in the Faculty of Engineering Information to be provided Employment as a doctoral student is a fixed-term position of 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may constitute a supplement corresponding to up to 20% of the original scope. Place of employment Luleå. Planned start date: Spring 2026 For further information, please contact Postdoctoral Fellow Haoyu Wei 0920-491728, haoyu.wei@ltu.se Trade union representative SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 marika.vesterberg@ltu.se How to apply We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a cover letter, CV/resume and copies of diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the diplomas should be written in Swedish or English. For the full version of the ad see: Vacancies | Luleå University of Technology Application deadline: February 22, 2026 Reference number: 717-2026