Doctoral Researcher in Rivers under pressure in the changing Arctic: A water-energy-climate nexus study

University of Oulu

Oulu, Finland 🇫🇮

Faculty of Technology, Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering

The University of Oulu is one of the biggest and most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. We create new knowledge and innovations that help to solve global challenges. We offer you an international and inspiring working environment where you are given responsibility and can use your skills, develop yourself and do work that matters. Our flexible and family-friendly workplace makes it easy for you to balance work and leisure. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world´s universities. 

We are now looking for

Doctoral Researcher, “Rivers under pressure in the changing Arctic: A water-energy-climate nexus study.”

to join us in Hydrosystems Engineering and Management research group in Water Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit (WE3) at the Faculty of Technology.

Water, Energy, and Environmental Engineering research unit (WE3) carries out high-class research in the field of environmental technology, with a focus on water and energy. Climate change and energy transition are great challenges, and our research aims to find sustainable solutions to these issues. Our research covers hydrological process studies in watersheds, water quality issues, and microbiological studies for water treatment and protection. WE3 integrates system-level research of water-land-energy resources, modelling and sustainability assessments. In urban areas our research offers safe and sustainable solutions to water, wastewater, and energy supply.

Hydrosystems Engineering and Management is one of four research groups in WE3The group works on globally important rural and urban land-water systems. We aim to move to a new level of modeling, system understanding, and impact assessment using remote sensing, smart monitoring, and modelling systems. Our research provides solutions for sustainable water management, land use, hydropower, flood, and drought management.

About the job   

The recently funded Rivers under pressure in the changing Arctic: A water-energy-climate nexus study on Finnish Hydropower” (RUPIAH) project aims to analyse the impact of climate change and the energy market on Finnish hydropower operations. The world is facing an unprecedented change to transform society toward reaching energy and water security. This change cannot happen without nature-friendly and sustainable hydropower. Finland contains the largest rivers in Fennoscandia, and a large number of hydropower is located in this region. Adapting the aging Hydropower fleet to climate change and nature protection simultaneously requires careful thinking and planning while safeguarding the public interest.

The advertised position will focus on modelling hydropower production and the associated river regime alterations by modelling explicitly the operating rules of relevant hydraulic infrastructures. The main research lines are the following: catchment hydrological modelling for improved quantification of snow-melt dynamics; scenario analyses of climate change impact on Finnish hydropower production & hydropeaking; and understanding the water-energy-nexus by evaluating the effect on hydropower production of the evolution of the Nordic electricity market with increased penetration of variable renewable energy sources.

The position will be based in the Hydrosystems Engineering and Management research group, lead by associate professor Ali Torabi Haghighi (https://www.oulu.fi/en/research-groups/hydrosystems-engineering-and-management). Associate professor Ali Torabi Haghighi and Dr. Epari Ritesh Patro supervise the position.

  • As a doctoral researcher, you should receive doctoral study rights as defined in UniOGS.
  • As a doctoral researcher, you should follow the UniOGS rules.
  • As a doctoral researcher, your topic is “Synergies between hydropower and river restoration: Water-Energy Nexus in Nordic rivers.”
  • In the RUPIAH project, your responsibility is to explore the water-energy nexus in Finland under climate change.
  • You will also be part of a multidisciplinary research group called Hydrosystems Engineering and Management.

What we offer?

  • The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of 15 people where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
  • Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
  • Development and career options of the big organization.
  • Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.

Who are you?

The Master’s Degree must have been completed with good grades (at least 60% of the maximum grade, or 3/5, in both the taught studies and the Master’s thesis). You will carry out your doctoral studies in the Technology and Natural Sciences Doctoral Programme of the University of Oulu Graduate School, and you must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in UniOGS.

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you:

  • Master´s degree in civil/environmental engineering, earth, and environmental sciences, geosciences, or related disciplines.
  • Profiles with strong numerical and computational skills will be positively considered.
  • Strong quantitative skills, Remote sensing, and GIS and ability to work with Python or R or MATLAB.
  • Fluent English language skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.

We also appreciate

  • Finnish language skills
  • Understanding environmental impacts and the desire to perform modelling work within the context of the climate-water-energy nexus is an advantage.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for two years as of 01.03.2023 or as soon as possible thereafter. The applicant should apply for external funding for the rest of the Doctoral studies.

The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2200-2600 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 31.01.2023 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

  1. Application describing prior knowledge, research interests, and career plans (1-2 pages).
  2. Complete CV containing contact information of at least two referees and a list of journal and conference publications (if any) and a teaching portfolio (if any). A recommended CV template can be found on the webpage of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae).
  3. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned electronic copies of diplomas and transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees (MSc and BSc or equivalent). If the original documents are not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, an official certified translation must accompany each document into English.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from different backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders and members of different languages, cultural, or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact

Postdoctoral Researcher Epari Ritesh Patro, (WE3) Ritesh.Patro@oulu.fi,

Associate Professor Ali Torabi Haghighi, (WE3), ali.torabihaghighi@oulu.fi, +358 404492894

Type of employmentTemporary position
Contract typeFull time
First day of employmentSopimuksen mukaan
SalaryTES
Number of positions1
Full-time equivalent100
CityOulu
CountyPohjois-Pohjanmaa
CountryFinland
Reference number2022/179
ContactAli Torabi Haghighi, +358404492894
Published09.Jan.2023
Last application date31.Jan.2023 11:59 PM CET

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

You ad could be here!