Fully Funded PhD in Water Resources Engineering: Are you passionate about artificial intelligence, hydrology, and climate change research?
Lund University in Sweden is offering a fully funded PhD position in Water Resources Engineering with a strong focus on GeoAI and Remote Sensing in Hydrology.
This prestigious opportunity allows motivated candidates to join the Remote Sensing and AI in Hydrology Research Group at one of Europe’s top-ranked universities.
This article provides everything you need to know about the program, requirements, benefits, and how to apply before the deadline.
Why Pursue a PhD in Water Resources Engineering at Lund University?
Founded in 1666, Lund University is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide.
With more than 47,000 students and 8,800 staff, it is a hub for innovation, sustainability, and scientific excellence.
The Faculty of Engineering (LTH) at Lund University plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges.
The division of Water Resources Engineering focuses on understanding how water is stored, transported, and utilized in both natural and urban systems.
This research area is becoming increasingly important in tackling issues related to:
- Climate change and its impact on water systems
- Flood and drought management
- Agricultural water use and food security
- Sustainable urban water planning
By joining this PhD program, you will contribute to groundbreaking research that bridges Earth observation, hydrology, and artificial intelligence to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.
About the PhD in Water Resources Engineering Project
The selected PhD candidate will work on developing AI-driven decision support systems for sustainable water resource management.
The project focuses on the water–food–climate nexus, a critical area that examines how human activity and climate change affect water availability and quality.
Key Research Themes
- Integration of satellite remote sensing with GeoAI (Geospatial Artificial Intelligence)
- Modeling precipitation, evapotranspiration, floods, and wildfires using AI and remote sensing data
- Developing data-driven systems to guide water policy and management decisions at local, regional, and global scales
- Assessing the impact of climate change and human activity on water quality and quantity
This research is not only academically rewarding but also has real-world application in agriculture, environmental protection, and climate adaptation strategies.
Who Can Apply For the PhD in Water Resources Engineering – Sweden
Lund University welcomes applications from candidates with diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.
To qualify, applicants should meet the general and specific admission requirements for doctoral studies in Sweden.
General Admission Requirements:
- A Master’s degree (second-cycle qualification), or
- At least 240 credits, with 60 credits at the Master’s level, or
- Equivalent qualifications obtained abroad.
Specific Admission Requirements for PhD in Water Resources Engineering:
- At least 120 credits in relevant subjects, with 75 credits at the Master’s level, or
- A Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, or related fields.
Additional Requirements:
- Proven experience in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Deep Learning
- Strong programming skills in Python, R, or MATLAB
- Excellent English communication skills (spoken and written)
- Ability to work both independently and within a team
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Linux environments, SQL, and geospatial databases
- Knowledge of satellite image processing and Google Earth Engine
- Prior work in hydrology or climate-related projects
What the PhD in Water Resources Engineering Offers
Being a doctoral student at Lund University means you are both a student and an employee, enjoying the best of both worlds.
Academic Benefits:
- Supervised doctoral research training
- Opportunity to publish peer-reviewed scientific papers
- Access to state-of-the-art labs, data, and research collaborations
- Participation in international conferences and European research assemblies
Employment Benefits:
- A full-time, salaried position for 4 years
- Generous annual leave and pension schemes
- Possibility of up to 20% teaching involvement, extending the contract duration
- Supportive, multicultural work environment with 35 staff and 20+ PhD students in the division
This is not just a PhD – it’s a career-building opportunity that equips you with advanced skills in AI, data science, hydrology, and climate research.
Location: Lund, Sweden
Lund is one of Europe’s most vibrant student cities, blending rich history with modern innovation. Located in Skåne County, southern Sweden, Lund offers:
- A safe, welcoming environment for international students
- Close proximity to Copenhagen, Denmark (just 40 minutes by train)
- A thriving tech and research ecosystem with global companies and startups
- A high quality of life, sustainability, and access to nature
For students passionate about environmental sustainability and global research, Lund provides the ideal academic and cultural setting.
How to Apply for the PhD in Water Resources Engineering
The application deadline is 12 September 2025. Applications must be written in English and include the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) and cover letter, highlighting your motivation and how your background fits the program.
- Copies of degree certificates and transcripts.
- Evidence of meeting both general and specific admission requirements.
- Letters of recommendation or references (if available).
- Any additional documents showcasing relevant experience.
📧 For inquiries, please contact Amir
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 12 September 2025
- Start Date: As soon as possible
- Employment Type: Full-time, fixed-term (4 years)
- Reference Number: PA2025/2386
Why This Opportunity Matters
As the world faces growing challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and food security, the demand for experts who can merge AI with hydrology and remote sensing is higher than ever.
This PhD program prepares graduates for impactful careers in:
- Academia and advanced research institutes
- Environmental and water management organizations
- Climate policy and consulting agencies
- International NGOs and UN-related agencies
- Private sector roles in data science, AI, and geospatial analysis
By joining Lund University’s PhD program in Water Resources Engineering, you will be at the forefront of scientific innovation and sustainability solutions.