The KWR Water Research Institute in the Netherlands in collaboration with the University of Exeter (UNEXE) in the UK, are looking for an ambitious researcher who will take up the challenge of working towards the development of analytic tools for the design and rehabilitation of drinking water distribution systems to ensure adequate performance under existing climate and future climate change. This research will be undertaken within the creative, multi-disciplinary environment of the prestigious ERC Synergy Grant 2020 “Water-Futures” co-supervised by Professors Mat Collins, Slobodan Djordjevic and Dragan Savic.

The Water-Futures project involves an interdisciplinary team co-led by Profs. Phoebe Koundouri (Athens University of Economics and Business), Barbara Hammer (University of Bielefeld), Marios Polycarpou (University of Cyprus) and Dragan Savic. The project aims to develop a theoretical basis for designing smart water systems. These next-generation systems will integrate real-time monitoring and control with long-term robustness and flexibility-based pathway methods, and incorporate economic, social, ethical and environmental considerations for sustainable transitioning of urban water systems under deep uncertainty with multiple possible futures.

The successful candidate will work in the area of climate change modelling and risk analysis using quantitative and qualitative methods to capture deep uncertainty and support decisions that can deliver the drinking water services required by the smart cities of tomorrow.

The candidate will be required to work independently and as part of a Water-Futures team of PhD students, senior researchers and supervisors.

The research will lead to a PhD degree awarded by UNEXE but the candidate will be employed by and spend a significant amount of time at KWR in the Netherlands, where she/he will interact with both interdisciplinary teams of water scientists and engineers as well as the Water Companies themselves.

Qualifications required include:

• Undergraduate and/or Postgraduate studies in mathematical/statistical/environmental or engineering discipline equivalent to at least a UK 2:1 honours degree.
• Excellent mathematical/statistical and problem-solving skills.
• Prior experience with climate change modelling would be beneficial.
• Good programming skills (e.g. Python, R, Matlab).
• Excellent communication and reporting skills (in English)

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

KWR offers a position within a professional development. As a research institute with strong links to universities, KWR will support you in developing and carrying out the PhD trajectory.

The position is offered for a period of 4 years.

We attach great importance to personal growth and career development, and to this end offer various opportunities like courses and skills training. A good work-life balance is a priority for us. KWR has excellent employment conditions, as KWR employees are parties to the Water Utility’s Collective Agreement (Flexible Employment Conditions Budget, ABP pension).

KWR staff conduct their practice-oriented work in a sustainably built glass building, designed for collaborating and sharing knowledge across teams and partners. Such a position within a societally relevant organisation, where we work together and make an important contribution bridging water science to practice - KWR is the place to be.

KWR Water

Safe and clean water is a great commodity. KWR is an internationally renowned research institute and we contribute with applied scientific research across the entire water cycle. ‘Bridging science to practice’ is our mission.

Our 200 employees work on innovative projects in the Netherlands and increasingly in and outside Europe. The ten Dutch water companies and the Belgian De Watergroep are our shareholders.