Post-doctoral fellow in hydrological modelling in reservoir-regulated rivers

This postdoctoral position focuses on advancing hydrological modelling in reservoir-regulated rivers. The research will explore innovative approaches to improve representation of reservoir operations within hydrological models (such as HYPE and SWAT), with particular emphasis on integrating satellite observations and machine learning techniques with process-based modelling frameworks. The successful candidate will work on developing methods to derive reservoir operation rules and estimate reservoir outflow from historical in-situ measured data and satellite observations, and incorporate these into existing hydrological models to enhance streamflow prediction accuracy downstream of reservoirs. The research will mainly focus on regulated rivers in Sweden, but regulated rivers with good data availability from other countries will also be considered for methods development and evaluation.

 Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research improving hydrological modelling of reservoir-regulated rivers. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

 Key work duties include:

• Collecting and analyzing hydrological data and reservoir operation records from regulated river systems
• Developing and testing machine learning approaches and satellite-based methods to derive reservoir operation rules and reservoir outflow
• Integrating derived operation rules and reservoir outflow into hydrological models (HYPE or SWAT model) for improving streamflow simulation
• Publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at relevant conferences
• Assisting supervision of PhD and Master students
• Collaborating with stakeholders including water management authorities and hydropower operators

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, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• PhD in Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Remote Sensing or a closely related field
• Knowledge of reservoir operations and regulated river systems
• Strong background in hydrological modelling, preferably with experience using the HYPE, SWAT or other model with reserovir modules
• Demonstrated experience with machine learning applications in time-series data analysis
• Demonstrated experience with programming languages (Python, R, or Fortran) for data analysis and modelling
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Track record of scientific publication on hydrological modelling in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team
• Demonstrated experience in satellite remote sensing and its application in hydrological modelling would be an advantage

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

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.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and 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.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum 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”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

The advertised position will be located at Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science within the Faculty of Science in 2025, to be transferred to the newly formed Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences within the same faculty from 1 January 2026.

By merging the Centre for Environmental and Climate Science, the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science and the Department of Geology in a joint and co-located organisation, the new department will strengthen the link between different research fields, develop new educational programmes and promote collaboration with society.

 Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.
• Cover letter explaining your motivation and suitability for the position (how you meet the listed requirements)
• Copies of 2-3 most relevant publications
• A brief research proposal (1-2 pages) outlining your approach to improving hydrological modelling in reservoir-regulated rivers
• Documentation of programming and modelling skills (e.g., code samples, description of relevant projects, or links to GitHub repositories)

Welcome to apply!