PhD Position on Variability of Shallow Groundwater in Urban Areas Aalborg University in Denmark

This PhD position focuses on the variability of shallow groundwater in urban areas, starting September 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful candidate will join the Urban Hydrology Research Group at the Department of the Built Environment (BUILD), Division of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University. The research group is internationally recognized for its work on urban water systems, climate change adaptation, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

The project aims to deepen understanding of spatial and temporal dynamics of shallow groundwater in cities. You will develop and apply numerical models of the unsaturated zone, analyze soil physical properties, conduct soil characterization in both field and laboratory settings, and integrate monitoring data from real-world cases. The research involves time series analysis, statistical techniques, and spatial modelling to generate new insights into groundwater behavior in urban environments.

Collaboration with COWI and Danish water utilities ensures access to practical data and real-world cases. You will participate in meetings and dialogue with external partners, and are expected to present your research at international scientific conferences, contributing to the scientific output of the group through journal publications and conference presentations.

As a PhD student, you will be enrolled in the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science, completing relevant PhD courses (30 ECTS), gaining teaching or knowledge dissemination experience, and undertaking an external research stay (preferably 3-6 months) at a foreign institution. The position is fully funded for three years, with salary and benefits provided according to Danish regulations and the AC collective agreement.

Applicants must hold, or be about to obtain, a Master’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, water and environmental engineering, geoscience, hydrology, or a closely related field. Experience with hydrological or groundwater-related modelling, numerical models (including unsaturated zone processes), and programming (Python, MatLab or similar) is required. Interest in quantitative data analysis, soil characterization, and statistical interpretation is expected. English proficiency is essential, and familiarity with hydrological and hydrogeological modelling tools is advantageous.

The application process requires submission via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, including an application letter, CV, diplomas, grades, a one-page project description, and other relevant documents. The university values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. Shortlisting will be applied, and all applicants will be informed of their status. The hiring process may include a risk assessment to ensure workplace safety and compliance.

Aalborg University is an international workplace with campuses in Aalborg, Esbjerg, and Copenhagen, offering real-world-oriented education and world-class research. The Urban Hydrology Research Group provides a collaborative environment for researchers, PhD students, and students working on projects relevant to both research and practice.

For further information or questions about the position, contact Dr. Søren Liedtke Thorndahl at slt@build.aau.dk.