PhD student position in Stormwater systems extended to provide biodiversity-neutral roads

Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Description

The successful candidate will work at the division of Water Environment Technology (WET) at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Chalmers University of Technology. WET brings together scientists with expertise in process engineering, hydraulics, environment, and sustainability. Research is performed in a number of research fields, including drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater engineering. The successful candidate will work in close cooperation with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration regarding the construction of the E39 highway. More information about WET can be found at www.chalmers.se/cee/EN/divisions/wet. More information about the construction of the E39 highway can be found at wp.portal.chalmers.se/e39/home/. 

Major responsibilities
The construction of roads has an effect on local and regional biodiversity and the ecosystem services that this provides. Stormwater systems, such as ponds and wetlands, have the potential to promote aquatic biodiversity and provide new opportunities during and after road construction. Previously, stormwater systems have been primarily designed and constructed for the removal of particles and particle associated pollutants, as well as peak flow reduction. However, further research is needed in order to propose technical design and provide management recommendations for extended, biodiversity-promoting stormwater systems. The overall aim of this project is to develop a solution for the biodiversity-neutral construction of roads. In this project, a model to simulate the influence of environmental factors on the aquatic biodiversity in stormwater systems will be developed. The developed model will be used to design biodiversity-promoting stormwater systems along highways. The model will enable the design of stormwater systems that compensate for the adverse biodiversity effects of road construction. This project will be performed in close cooperation with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration regarding the construction of the E39 highway. This project will facilitate the biodiversity-neutral construction of the E39 highway in particular, and the construction of biodiversity-neutral roads in general. 

As a PhD student you are expected to work independently; have the ability to plan and organise your work; to be able to work in close collaboration with other group members and partners; and to be able to communicate scientific results, both orally and in written form in English. Knowledge of Swedish and/or Norwegian is advantageous due to close collaboration with Swedish and Norwegian stakeholders.

Nr of positions available : 1

Research Fields

Engineering - Civil engineering

Career Stage

Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Post graduate) 

Research Profiles

First Stage Researcher (R1) 

Application Deadline

11/01/2015

Application website

http://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=2646