PhD Student in Urban Water Engineering – Smart monitoring and predictive maintenance of urban drainage infrastructures

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a doctoral student with us, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong, international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and solid funding opportunities. You will be offered secure employment, high-quality supervision, and room to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.
The Urban Water Engineering research group at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural resources engineering at Luleå University of Technology seeks a driven and committed PhD student to investigate how smart monitoring and predictive modelling can support more effective and environmentally sustainable maintenance of urban drainage infrastructure. The research focuses on understanding sediment accumulation through sensor-based monitoring and data analysis, contributing to improved water quality and urban flood resilience. Take the opportunity to join one of the world's leading stormwater research groups with an international, creative and dynamic environment and close cooperation with the industry and universities worldwide.

The Urban Water Engineering research group has a strong position in research and education on urban water systems, primarily stormwater, small-scale wastewater and sewage systems.

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. More information on www.ltu.se/water

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 aiming to enable a transition towards more data-driven and environmentally responsible maintenance of urban drainage infrastructures. The overall goal is to reduce pollutant loads to coastal and marine environments while supporting sustainable urban water management.

The PhD research 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 doctoral student 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 LTU's well-established competence network.

Duties
As a PhD student, you will perform both experimental and theoretical work. You will learn how to collect and analyse scientific data within your research area as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies, including both research and coursework. In addition, you will also carry out departmental duties, such as teaching and/or assisting in other research projects. You will have two or three supervisors who support you in your work. The research work for this project will specifically include experimental work.

Qualifications
We seek a candidate with an MSc degree or equivalent or fully completed course requirements of at least 240 ETCS of which at least 60 ETCS are at an advanced level or equivalent. The degree should be within the field of water and environment, environmental engineering, natural resources engineering, civil engineering, or equivalent. Specific knowledge of stormwater management, hydraulics/hydrology, statistics, machine learning, thermodynamics (e.g. heat transfer processes) and programming, as well as experience of sensor-based monitoring, are meritorious. Other important skills are the ability to work independently and take initiative, as well as being able to explore new research areas.

English language skills are required since the results will be presented internationally in scientific journals and at conferences. 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.
For further information about a specific subject see:

* General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added to that time with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: Spring 2027.
For each position, a preliminary salary range is provided based on the requirements, responsibilities, and market conditions associated with the role.

For further information about the position, please contact Postdoctoral researcher
Haoyu Wei, 0920-491728, haoyu.wei@ltu.se

Union representatives

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

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. 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.

Closing date for applications: 30 November 2026
Reference number: 5719-2026