Postdoctoral Researcher in Urban Water Engineering - Environmentally safe maintenance operations of urban stormwater infrastructures

Do you want to develop your research and teaching in an environment where collaboration with industry and society is a matter of course? With us, you will work with committed colleagues, access to modern research infrastructure and good opportunities to attract external funding. You are given the opportunity to make a real difference for your students, your research and society at large.

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 postdoctoral researcher with a focus on how sustainable management of sediment from stormwater can contribute to improved water quality. 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.

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 wastewater systems. The group includes about 50 people consisting of a number of senior researchers, Swedish and international adjunct professors and about 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

Urban water engineering 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 safety and health of citizens.

Project description

Stormwater transports a variety of pollutants from urban environments, posing major challenges for the protection of surface waters. Urban stormwater facilities such as storm drains and ponds are important to counteract these challenges. Over time, the accumulation of sediment and associated pollutants in these facilities leads to their degradation, creating the need for regular and environmentally safe maintenance interventions. As the use of urban stormwater facilities increases, the amount of sediment and associated pollutants retained in these systems will continue to grow, amplifying both management challenges and potential environmental risks. Fully characterizing these challenges in a broader technical and socio-economic context is critical to ensure that sediment accumulation prevents - rather than merely delays - discharges to coastal environments. Meeting this need is the central objective of the project and responds directly to the needs of municipalities, authorities and practitioners for evidence-based tools, clear governance and legal guidance, environmentally sustainable maintenance practices and long-term sustainable financing models. The project thus contributes to reducing land-based impacts on coastal and marine environments through a system-wide transition.

The work within the project includes the evaluation and development of technical solutions for the operation and maintenance of urban stormwater facilities as well as detailed characterization of the waste streams generated during maintenance efforts.

Within the project, the postdoc 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

The tasks as a postdoc are varied. You work independently to plan and carry out your studies and write scientific articles, in collaboration with industry and other project partners. In between, you will participate in seminars and conferences in Sweden and internationally. In addition, you may have the opportunity to try out the role of teacher and administrative duties may also occur (up to 20% of full time). You will have two supervisors by your side.

Qualifications

To be eligible for employment, a doctoral degree or equivalent foreign degree in water resources engineering, water resources science, civil engineering or other deemed equivalent is required. It is an advantage if your degree was obtained no more than three years before the closing date for applications for this position. If there are special reasons, those who have completed a doctoral degree earlier may be considered, for example in the case of various types of statutory leave.

The applicant must have the ability to work independently, take the initiative and independently initiate new research areas. Knowledge of English is necessary to be able to present research results at international conferences and in scientific publications. Knowledge and experience in:

• Stormwater management, urban pollution sources and environmental behavior of pollutants
• Experience in sampling, analytical chemistry, laboratory work and statistics as well as working with large environmental data sets

Knowledge of Swedish or other Scandinavian languages is an advantage, as it facilitates communication with stakeholders and participation in teaching activities. Possession of a driver's license is also an advantage, as it facilitates research work. Upon request, you should be able to provide contact details for two referees.

Information

This position is a full-time position for two years. Place of employment is Luleå. Intended start date: fall 2026.

For further information, please contact Associate Senior Lecturer

Alexandra Müller 0920-49 30 78, mailto:alexandra.muller@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 17, 2026

Reference number: 3517-2026