Stormwater: risk assessment, quality and treatment
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.
Do you want to research stormwater quality and treatment? We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher focusing on stormwater: risk assessment, quality and treatment mainly for organic micropollutants such as PFAS, PAHs, organotin compounds, phenols, etc.
The research group for Urban Water Systems within the subject Urban Water Engineering at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, is looking for a driven and committed postdoctoral researcher who wants to immerse themselves in issues related to stormwater systems. The research project aims to investigate stormwater quality and treatment in stormwater biofilters and to develop methods for risk assessments regarding the impact of stormwater on surface and groundwater recipients.
The Urban Water Systems research group has a strong position in research and education in urban water systems, mainly in the areas of stormwater and wastewater systems. Being part of the research group means working in an international and creative environment. The group includes about 40 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. Read more at www.ltu.se/vatten
Subject 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 the safety and health of citizens.
Project description
Urbanization brings many challenges, including those related to traditional stormwater infrastructure (e.g. risk of environmental impact, etc.). Therefore, a transition to a more sustainable stormwater management is required. This includes stormwater treatment to protect our surface and groundwater receiving waters and drinking water sources. The aims of this project are (i) to contribute knowledge to improve the technical function of stormwater biofilters regarding the treatment of organic micropollutants such as PFAS, PAHs, organotin substances, phenols, etc. An evaluation of other substances may be added. In addition, the aim is to (ii) work and develop different methods and models for risk assessment of stormwater discharges on groundwater and surface water recipients.
Duties and responsibilities
The tasks are varied; you work independently to plan and implement research projects, write research applications and scientific articles. You will participate in seminars and conferences in Sweden and internationally. You will also participate in the work with undergraduate education and/or administrative tasks.
Qualifications
To be eligible for employment, a doctoral degree with a specialization in environment and water or other specialization deemed equivalent is required. Preference should be given to those who have obtained a doctoral degree no more than three years before the deadline for applications.
In-depth research experience is expected in stormwater treatment mainly of organic micropollutants with stormwater biofilters. Experience in performing risk assessments and knowledge of guidelines and environmental quality standards or similar regarding organic pollutants and receiving water impacts is required. You should have published on these topics in highly ranked international journals.
Experience with sampling and field work, statistical processing of data including risk analysis and laboratory work is required. Furthermore, a good ability to work independently is needed: you are expected to be able to drive projects forward and to familiarize yourself with new issues.
The position requires good knowledge of English (as research results will be presented in English at international conferences and in scientific journals) and basic knowledge of Swedish (as the work is carried out in collaboration with Swedish municipalities). A driver's license for a car to be able to conduct fieldwork is a requirement.
Upon request, you must be able to provide contact details for two referees.
Information to be provided
This position is for a full-time employment period of two years. Place of employment is Luleå. Access according to agreement.
For further information, please contact: Prof. Dr. Godecke Blecken, +46 920 49 1394,
godble@ltu.se
Trade union representative:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, (+46)920-49 2037
diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46)920-49 1721
marika.vesterberg@ltu.se
How to apply
We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, attaching a cover letter, CV/resume and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the diplomas must be written in Swedish or English.
Application deadline: April 28, 2025
Reference number: 1650-2025