Postdoctoral position in Water Resources Engineering

Description of the workplace

The current position will be placed in the Division of Water Resources Engineering, Department of Building and Environmental Technology. Here, research and teaching pursue the understanding of how water resides and is transported in nature and urban systems from an engineering perspective. This includes but is not limited to, comprehension and modeling of the components of the hydrological cycle as well as geospatial modeling of water quality and quantity in agricultural systems. At the division, there are about 35 employees and around 20 PhD students. The current position is within the Remote Sensing and AI in Hydrology research group. 

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 description

The Remote Sensing and AI in Hydrology research group within the Division of Water Resources Engineering focuses on integrating various remote sensing precipitation data, including both satellite-based and ground-based radar sensors. Beginning in Spring 2025, the group will launch the research project Opti-SITE, funded by the Interreg Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak funding scheme. This project, coordinated by Sweden Water Research, involves multiple partners from both Sweden and Denmark. The main objective is to enhance the accuracy of precipitation data for urban flood management by integrating X-band weather radar and Micro Rain Radar data using artificial intelligence.

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. 

You will develop an Artificial Intelligence-based model to integrate X-band weather radars currently operating in southern Sweden and the Copenhagen area of Denmark, along with Micro Rain Radar and disdrometer data. The goal is to produce a high-resolution, accurate precipitation dataset for nowcasting rain events. The primary task involves creating a method to network multiple X-band polarimetric weather radars and Micro Rain Radars deployed in both Sweden and Denmark.

Other descriptions of the work duties are:

• Research within the subject area as mentioned above
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements 

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a Ph.D., or an international degree deemed equivalent to a Ph.D., in Water Resources Engineering, Atmospheric Science, or Data Science. 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.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, etc.
• Independence and ability to collaborate within and outside academia. 

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:

• Proved experience in researching the application of artificial intelligence in hydro-environmental problems.
• Proved knowledge of remote sensing of precipitation, i.e., weather radar.
• A good ability to develop and conduct high-quality research.
• Experience in fieldwork or research collaboration with stakeholders and water-related agencies.
• Strong and relevant research track record.

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 two 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 shall be written in English. Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV 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.)”  

Welcome to apply!