PhD in Sensor-assisted Water Quality Monitoring

Chalmers' new research initiative Ocean is seeking a highly motivated PhD student in environmental analytical chemistry and machine learning. In this role, you will work with high-frequency spectral sensor data. By using absorbance data, you will train models to predict key water quality indicators such as nitrate, nitrite, and dissolved organic carbon in both freshwater and marine environments.

You will join a dynamic and collaborative team at the forefront of sensor development for diverse aquatic systems—including drinking water and wastewater.

Project overview

Nutrient availability is a key driver of primary production, yet anthropogenic discharges from agriculture and aquaculture often lead to eutrophication. This project will develop innovative sensor software capable of quantifying a suite of water quality indicators in real-time and in situ across various aquatic environments. The results will improve the accuracy and reliability of monitoring equipment and contribute to more effective water treatment strategies.

About the division and department

The position is based at the Division of Water Environment Technology (WET), within the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at Chalmers .

You will collaborate with leading researchers in dissolved organic matter characterization, machine learning, chemical oceanography, and drinking water treatment. The project is highly interdisciplinary and includes data collection from multiple aquatic environments through partnerships with universities and institutes such as the Technical University of Denmark, Norwegian Polar Institute, and the Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences.

Main responsibilities

Your primary responsibility is to conduct your own doctoral research. You are expected to develop scientific concepts independently and communicate your results both orally and in writing. 

• Conduct research in alignment with project goals
• Dynamically adjust the research plan based on outcomes
• Publish scientific articles and present your findings at conferences and workshops
• Contribute to undergraduate teaching in relevant subjects.

Read more about doctoral studies at Chalmers here .

Your profile

Required qualifications

• Master’s degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in analytical chemistry, data science, water engineering, or aquatic science
• Basic knowledge of analytical chemistry and data science
• Familiarity with applied statistics and programming (e.g. Matlab, R, or Python)
• Experience with UV-visible absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English

Meritorious qualifications

• Proficiency in Swedish
• Knowledge of water chemistry and in situ sensors
• Experience using sensors for water quality evaluation

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

What we offer
Chalmers provides a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be written in English and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV:(Please name the document: CV, Family name)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter:(Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Include a two-page research proposal that addresses the advertised research goals.

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 30 May, 2025

Contact information

For questions about the research project:
Assistant Professor Urban Wünsch
wuensch@chalmers.se

For questions about the recruitment process:
Professor Britt-Marie Wilén
britt-marie.wilen@chalmers.se
+46 (0)31-772 2153
+46 (0)72-387 64 19

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.
 

URL to this page
https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=13876&rmlang=UK