Assistant/Associate Professor on “Water for Sustainable Development”

Freshwater is essential to sustain life, economic development and the environment, but it is also a vulnerable resource whose availability and quality varies strongly around the globe. We need to understand the natural and socio-economic processes that affect water resources and develop solutions for water scarcity, flooding and pollution.

The Chair of Multidisciplinary Water Management (MWM) develops and applies holistic approaches which promote sustainable and resilient management of water systems. Particularly, we study the dynamics of supply and demand of water resources in interaction with climate, land use, energy transition and agricultural management as well as production, trade and consumption. The methods we use include water footprint and life cycle assessment, hydrological modelling and integrated assessment.

We understand water related grand challenges as a shared responsibility, so we engage different stakeholders and sectors to develop both science-based and actionable solutions. To support decision-making, we provide data, models and tools and share our knowledge in academic teaching and science dissemination.

Sustainable use and management of freshwater resources is at the core of research conducted at the MWM group. With this assistant professor position, we aim to expand our research on the interface between water and other aspects related to sustainable development. This includes the modelling and analysis of interactions between water use and availability, energy and resource use, land use changes and greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond environmental perspectives on water use, we aim at including social as well as economic aspects and risks relevant for sustainability challenges. This requires methodological developments which allow for a consistent assessment of water use along with other aspects of sustainability.

Within this context you will develop your own research line, also supporting the Faculty's strategy to strengthen competence in integrated life cycle management and sustainable resource use. You will teach at bachelor and master level, guide bachelor and master students in their thesis writing, be daily supervisor of PhD students, engage in management tasks and acquire research funding. There will be strong collaboration with the other members of the MWM group and you will strengthen the cooperation between the chairs within the Department of Civil Engineering and Management.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious colleague, with the following profile. You have:

• At least 3 years of postdoctoral experience in a relevant field, such as water management, water footprint or life cycle assessment.
• Successfully acquired research funding and managed projects individually.
• An engineering, natural sciences or environmental sciences background, a multi-disciplinary focus and strong system analytical skills.
• A PhD and a strong publication record in reputed international journals, with papers relevant to the position.
• You have teaching experience, demonstrable didactic qualities and experience in student supervision (BKO/UTQ is not required but appreciated).
• Excellent communication and language competences (English)