Postdoctoral position in Water Resources Engineering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Division of Water Resources Engineering (TVRL) and the Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) announce one vacant position as a 2-year postdoctoral fellow on Remote Sensing and AI in Hydrology. The postdoctoral position is fully funded for 2 years and is placed at the Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies. The Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) coordinates the Strategic Research Area (SRA) “The Middle East in the Contemporary World” (MECW). The research program consists of four research themes: 1) Environment and sustainable development; 2) Security and sustainable peace; 3) Democratization, migration, and sustainable socio-economic development; and 4) Religion, identity, and culture.  

More on the MECW program

More on Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) 

In TVRL, 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 both urban and rural setting. At the division, there are about 35 employees and around 25 Ph.D. students and postdocs. The current position is within the Remote Sensing and AI in Hydrology research group.

Subject and project description 

The Remote Sensing and AI in Hydrology research group within the Division of Water Resources Engineering pioneers the integration of diverse remote sensing data with advanced artificial intelligence to enhance the understanding and modeling of the hydrological cycle. Our work employs a multi-platform approach, combining measurements from ground-based sensors and satellite constellations (e.g., optical, radar, and gravimetry) to capture hydrological variables across multiple scales.

In September 2025, the group launched SWIFT, a research project funded by the Middle East in the Contemporary World (MECW) programme at the Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES), Lund University. This multidisciplinary project involves partners from the Faculty of Engineering and the Lund School of Economics. Its main objective is to reconstruct hydrological baselines and quantify climate- and conflict-driven impacts on surface water and groundwater in conflict-affected regions of the Middle East, using satellite data processing (InSAR and altimetry) and 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. 

The appointee will integrate Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data, which detects ground deformation as a proxy for groundwater changes, with radar altimetry data tracking surface water variations. AI models will be used to analyze complex surface water-groundwater feedback loops, simulate future scarcity under climate change, land use, and conflict scenarios, and identify conflict impacts on water resources depletion and/or recovery. 

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. 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. 
• Independence and ability to collaborate within and outside academia. 
• Having Ph.D. in Water Resources Engineering, Remote Sensing, Data Science, or relevant subjects.
• Proved experience in researching the application of artificial intelligence in hydro-environmental problems.
•  Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, etc.

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

• Experience and research on hydro-environmental topics in the Middle East and knowledge of remote sensing of land surface defromation (e.g., InSAR) and surface water level are considered advantageous.

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.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of two years starting as soon as possible. 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 with a 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.