Doctoral student in Water Resources Engineering with a focus on satellite remote sensing and AI - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Division of Water Resources Engineering, within the Department of Building and Environmental Technology, conducts education and research in many water-related areas, such as hydrology, water resources management, coastal hydraulics, hydrometeorology, climate change, and water quality. The division has a strong international character and collaborates with many researchers on projects around the world. 

Project description

Water scarcity and shortages are gaining attention in academia and popular debates due to their effects on Swedish society. Notably, recent episodes of unprecedented droughts, such as the dry summers of 2018 and 2019, show that although Sweden is generally considered water-rich, climate-related risks to water supply are now increasing in magnitude and frequency, especially in southern Sweden. To quantify current and future water supply risks, Sweden needs an advanced understanding of the spatiotemporal patterns of climate-related risks and how water fluxes change over time and space. An overarching challenge emerges regarding critical monitoring of ground- and surface-water resources, especially those with the potential to supply water and at risk of decreasing water availability. This project addresses this challenge using novel combinations of artificial intelligence (AI) and space mission techniques to improve surface- and groundwater resource monitoring systems while assessing areas prone to increased water risks to develop a decision support system for the artificial recharge of groundwater supplies.

This Ph.D. position is expected to fulfill the groundwater monitoring part of the above-mentioned project through the collaboration of partners from Lund, Stockholm, and Uppsala Universities and multiple stakeholders. 

Specifically, in semi/confined aquifers, changes in the aquifer’s saturated thickness due to recharge and extraction can be tracked by the deformation of the ground surface. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is a space mission technique that can be used to estimate groundwater level by measuring ground deformation. This Ph.D. project aims to develop a combined AI-InSAR-based technique for estimating groundwater levels in space and time. 

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which include participating in research projects and third-cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The position intends to fulfill a part of the research project “Leap in Swedish freshwater monitoring for water supply risk mitigation, financed by Formas and coordinated by Lund University. The Ph.D. candidate is expected to take part in activities (e.g., seminars) at the water resources engineering division. 

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third-cycle studies in water resources engineering if the applicant has: 

• At least 120 credits in subjects of relevance to the field of research, including at least 75 second-cycle credits in a relevant field for the subject area, or 
• A second-cycle degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or similar. 

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Practical knowledge for analysis of remote sensing (RS) technology, satellite image processing, google engine, and artificial intelligence in water-related subjects. 
• Programming skills

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. Ability to work independently and formulate and tackle research problems. 
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g., professional experience

Other assessment criteria

• Merits include documented proficiency in AI modeling such as deep learning, RS software for SAR data processing, i.e., GMTSAR, StaMPS, SNAPHU, as well as programming languages such as MATLAB or Python. 

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third-cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third-cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter (max 1000 words) stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, etc.). 

Welcome to apply!