Optimized and integrated renewal planning of water and wastewater pipes and street networks for increased sustainability

 

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a PhD student with us, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong and international research environment, with access to advanced lab equipment and good funding opportunities. You are offered a secure employment, high quality supervision and room to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.

 

The research subject Urban Water Engineering at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, is looking for a driven and committed PhD student with a focus on how urban water and sewer pipes and streets can be renovated and renewed in a coordinated way (or separately), in order to enable sustainable management of the municipal infrastructure. Take the opportunity to join one of the world's leading research environments in urban water systems, characterized by an international, creative and dynamic work environment and by close collaboration with industry and universities worldwide.

The research subject Urban Water Engineering has a strong position in research and education in urban water systems, mainly in the areas of stormwater and sewer systems. The group includes about 50 people consisting of a number of senior researchers, Swedish and international adjunct professors and more than 20 PhD students. The group has an extensive national and international collaboration network. The overall goal of the group is to contribute to the development of sustainable urban water systems. For more information see http://www.ltu.se/vatten

 

Description

 

VA-technology covers the entire urban water system (storm, drinking, and wastewater) with regard to collection, transport and treatment as well as 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

 

The Streetwise project aims to improve the coordination between street works and renewal of water and sewer pipes in Swedish municipalities. Today, these investments are often planned and financed separately or coordinated based on limited information, leading to repeated excavation works, higher life cycle costs and unnecessary disruptions for citizens. Skellefteå municipality is the need owner and participates through the departments of Water & Sewerage and Streets, thus providing a real test environment. Recent research will be the starting point, where a model is further developed to optimize the strategic asset management and coordination based on economic, environmental and other societal criteria. You will be part of a research team with researchers from our university as well as external researchers from the research institute RISE, who are experts in methodology for policy development.

The research includes further development of an existing Python model and collection of data on asset management of municipal infrastructure. Together with the other researchers in the team, you will design workshops to be conducted together with municipal partners, with the aim of understanding current practices for coordinating asset management of multifunctional infrastructure and being able to develop tools to support their work.

Within the project, the PhD student will collaborate with municipalities and international research partners and communicate results both to the industry and to international researchers through LTU's well-established competence network.

Tasks

 

As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work. You will develop a Python model and participate in workshops. You will learn how to collect and analyze scientific data in your research area and how to communicate results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. The majority of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies, including both research work and compulsory and elective courses. In addition, you may have the opportunity to try out the role of a teacher and/or work on other research projects as a departmental intern. Throughout the program, you will have two supervisors to support you in your work. The research work in this project will specifically include modeling, including life cycle assessment and life cycle costing, and participation in policy development for the water sector.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering, Road and Water Engineering or other field deemed equivalent. Specific knowledge of urban water system design, including pipe networks, Python programming and modeling and life cycle analysis, as well as knowledge of economics and statistics, 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, as it facilitates communication with stakeholders and participation in research and teaching activities. Having a driving license for a car is meritorious.

The applicant must be able to provide contact information for two reference persons upon request.

 

For further information on specific doctoral education see http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd.

Information

 

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. Intended start date: Fall 2026

For further information, please contact Associate Senior Lecturer

 

Annelie Hedström 0920-49 23 09, mailto:annelie.hedstrom@ltu.se

 

Union Representative

 

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se

 

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se

 

Application

 

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a cover letter as well as CV/resume and copies of diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the diploma must be written in Swedish or English.

Date for application: August 16, 2026

 

Reference number: 3603-2026