PhD student position on Climate adaptation of urban roads
Project overview
Climate change and increasing flood risks pose significant challenges to urban infrastructure worldwide. While many municipalities are exploring catchment-based approaches that utilize streets and roads to manage stormwater, there is limited knowledge on effective design and implementation strategies.
This PhD project aims to investigate how urban roads can be designed and utilized to mitigate flooding risks through hydrological modelling and stakeholder engagement. Focusing on the Gothenburg region, the project will:
- Identify roads suitable for climate adaptation in three urban catchments.
- Develop road designs that optimize water accumulation or flow.
- Create a framework for the selection and design of climate-adapted roads.
The research will primarily involve hydrological modelling at both catchment and road scales, incorporating input from relevant stakeholders. The candidate will gain extensive knowledge in hydrological modelling, climate adaptation, road engineering, and urban planning.
Research environment
This PhD position is part of the Sustainable Urban Water and Environmental Engineering (SUWEE) research area within the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering. SUWEE comprises 15 researchers dedicated to high-quality research and teaching on stormwater management, climate adaptation, and contaminated materials.Our strength lies in combining experimental research and modelling approaches, and in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Achieving our vision is based on creative collaborations within the framework of a good and equal working environment.
Main responsibilities
As a PhD student, your primary responsibility is to pursue your doctoral studies within the strategic themes of the research area. Your tasks will include:
- Conducting predefined project activities while developing your own scientific concepts and perspectives on hydrological modelling, climate adaptation, road engineering, and urban planning.
- Communicating research findings through scientific articles, reports, and presentations at conferences.
- Collaborating with researchers and stakeholders to collect data, discuss results, and organize workshops.
- Completing coursework required for the PhD program at Chalmers.
- Participating in departmental duties, primarily teaching and supervising undergraduate students.
Your profile
We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:
Required qualifications:
- Master of Science in Civil or Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience in hydrological modelling.
- Proficiency in English, with strong skills in scientific or technical writing.
Meritorious qualifications:
- Understanding of urban planning in relation to climate adaptation and traffic management.
- Experience with advanced hydrological modelling software at catchment and urban scales.
- Experience with road engineering.
- Experience interacting with stakeholders, including organizing workshops.
- Contract terms and what we offer
- The PhD position is fully funded from start
- As a PhD student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
- The position is for 4 years, with the possibility of extending to a maximum of 5 years if you participate in teaching at the department. Start 1 September 2025.
- A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
- A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.
Application procedure
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=13939
Application deadline: 8 June, 2025
For questions, please contact: Professor Sebastien Rauch
sebastien.rauch@chalmers.se