Doctoral student in Water Resources Engineering focus Coastal Engineering

Doctoral Student In Water Resources Engineering With A Focus On Coastal Engineering

The current position is placed at the Division of Water Resources Engineering (TVRL), Department of Building and Environmental Technology. Here, research and teaching aim to understand how water occurs and is transported in natural and urban systems, based on the comprehension and modelling of various aspects of the hydrological cycle from source to sea, including both water quality and quantity, as well as water management and governance.

This includes, but is not limited to, studies on the movement of water in piped systems, channels and natural waters; flooding and drought; systems to reduce their consequences; factors affecting water use and quality; and erosion along open coasts, rivers, and lakes.

The coastal engineering research group is specifically focused on the development and application of numerical models to simulate hydro- and morphodynamic coastal processes. The group is also working extensively on field studies and on the development of nature-based coastal protection, in close collaboration with Swedish municipalities and national agencies.

TVRL is the largest water-oriented research group in Sweden. It maintains a world-class research level in a stimulating, diverse, and international environment that comprises PhD students, postdocs, and teachers from many parts of the world. TVRL houses the UN University Water Hub in the Nordic countries. Here, research and teaching take place in an open and progressive environment in collaboration with academic and industrial partners, both nationally and internationally.

The work environment is characterised by commitment, collaboration, creativity, and personal responsibility.

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.

As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors.

Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

This PhD position is part of the Horizon Europe project HARCCA – Hotspot Resilience:
Co-Construct Approaches to Coastal Climate Adaptation, coordinated by Lund University. HARCCA brings together an international consortium of 22 research institutions, universities, and public authorities across Europe. The project develops and demonstrates innovative solutions for climate resilience in vulnerable coastal regions by combining advanced multi-hazard risk assessment, nature-based solutions, and stakeholder co-creation within Coastal Hotspot Adaptation Living Labs. It also includes developing digital tools to support risk-informed decision-making and long-term adaptation planning.

The PhD will focus on two study sites in Sweden (Trelleborg) and Poland (Hel Peninsula), both low-lying Baltic Sea coasts exposed to erosion and flooding hazards. The work involves analysing data and applying and developing advanced modelling approaches, including, but not limited to, the PCR-model and SFINCS, to quantify current and future coastal risks. The candidate will also evaluate how nature-based adaptation strategies can reduce risks under future climate scenarios.

The PhD will interact with other activities in the project, including supporting the visualisation and communication of results through digital tools. The position involves interdisciplinary research collaboration and stakeholder engagement in the case study areas.

The PhD will be supervised by Associate Prof. Caroline Hallin (main supervisor) and Dr Björn Almström from Lund University, and Dr Piotr Szmytkiewicz from the Institute of Hydro-Engineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IBW PAN).

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral programme, including participation in the research project and third-cycle courses, seminars, and conferences. You are expected to participate in…