Postdoctoral position in physical coastal processes and nature-based coastal protection - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The postdoc position will be placed at the Division of Water Resources Engineering at the Department of Building and Environmental Technology. Here, research and teaching are carried out on how water and materials are transported in natural and urban systems. The division has about 30 employees and a total of 20 doctoral students. The position is placed in the coastal group that conducts research on physical coastal processes such as hydrodynamics and sediment transport, erosion and flood risks, and coastal protection.

The Department of Building and Environmental Technology has a stimulating and international environment consisting of PhD students, postdocs and teachers from many parts of the world. Here, research and teaching take place in an open and progressive climate with challenges and collaborations both within academia and with industry partners, both nationally and internationally. The work environment is characterized by commitment, collaboration, creativity and personal responsibility.

Subject - and project description

Water Resources Engineering with a focus on physical coastal processes and nature-based coastal protection. The research includes field measurements, lab activities and numerical modelling. The postdoc position is funded by three projects in which the postdoc works in close collaboration with Swedish municipalities and authorities. The first project, LIFECAPEable, is funded by the EU and focuses on nature-based coastal protection and their multifunctionality with the Falsterbo Peninsula as the study area. The project is carried out in collaboration with the municipality of Vellinge, the consulting company Ecogain, and Delft University of Technology. The second project, SISLER, is carried out in close collaboration with the Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI) and the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) and aims to develop and improve the ability to predict coastal morphological changes due to sea level rise. The third project is funded by SGI and aims to support the agency in issues concerning nature-based coastal protection and the development of Swedish guidelines for nature-based coastal protection. 

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. 

The work duties include:

• Advice on nature-based coastal protection and physical coastal processes to Swedish authorities
• Modelling of waves, currents, and sediment transport in coastal areas
• Modelling of beach changes due to waves and storm surges
• Topographic surveys using RTK-GNSS, drone-borne photogrammetry and LiDAR
• Communication of research results through reports (Swedish/English), workshops (Swedish/English) and scientific publications (English)
• Supervision of master's and doctoral students
• Administration related to the projects 

Qualification requirements 

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Very good oral and written proficiency in Swedish. The project is carried out in close collaboration with Swedish municipalities and authorities and includes oral and written communication in Swedish. 
• Very good knowledge in hydrodynamic models and morphological modelling
• Broad experience of fieldwork on the coast
• Hands-on experience with RTK-GNSS measurements and drones
• Good knowledge and practical experience of programming in Python
• Class B driving licence

Assessment criteria 

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills. 

Other qualifications:

• High flexibility and ability to cooperate.
• Experience of cooperation with Swedish municipalities and authorities
• Experience of teaching and supervision

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

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. 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV (including list of publications) and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

We welcome your application.