(ref. BAP-2023-353)
Laatst aangepast : 14/06/2023
The Department of Civil Engineering at KU Leuven, located at Leuven’s Arenberg campus, is seeking a PhD candidate to join their Unit of Hydraulics and Geotechnics (see below). Our unit comprises six faculty members and thirty doctoral and postdoctoral researchers dedicated to studying the water cycle in urban environments, river systems, and coastal areas. Led by Prof. Patrick Willems, our team focuses on urban and river hydrology, exploring topics such as rainfall characteristics, urban and river hydraulics, and hydrometry. Our research primarily involves modeling extreme conditions along rivers and urban drainage systems, utilizing a combination of physically based hydrologic and hydrodynamic models, statistical analysis, data-driven methods, and climate change impact assessments. This PhD position is a part of the EXPRIMA#2 project titled “Probabilistic Nowcasting and Forecasting of Extreme Precipitation for Impact-Based Warning Systems,” which is a collaborative effort between KU Leuven and the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (RMI) under the FED-tWIN platform. The FED-tWIN platform facilitates research collaboration and excellence between Belgian universities and federal scientific institutions, coordinated by the Belgian Science Policy (BELSPO). The PhD student will be under the supervision of Prof. Ricardo Reinoso-Rondinel and co-supervised by Prof. Patrick Willems and Prof. Lesley De Cruz from the Observations Department of the RMI. Tags: Extreme precipitation, ensemble forecasting, flooding prediction, hydrologic modelling, machine learning.
Responsibilities
The PhD researcher will join the EXPRIMA#2 project, which focuses on the integration of probabilistic precipitation prediction and hydrological modeling for flood prediction, taking into account uncertainties. Extreme precipitation poses significant natural hazards globally, impacting both economies and populations, and is characterized by its spatial and temporal variability as well as forecast uncertainties. Thus, it is vital that warning systems need to estimate the severity of the impact and the associated uncertainties. The primary objective of this role is to address the following key areas within the hydrological aspects of the project:
- Integration of probabilistic rainfall products provided by the KMI into a distributed urban-hydrology model.
- Development of physically informed data-driven models for real-time flood forecasting, encompassing urban and larger scales, while considering uncertainties.
- Validation of flood forecasting models using a collection of observed flooding events.
- Contribution to and utilization of open-source code.
- Documentation of research results in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.
- Active participation in international conferences and collaborative meetings.
The successful completion of this PhD research will yield a proof-of-concept for impact-based models that can be effectively combined with exposure and vulnerability maps. This integration will enable comprehensive risk assessment by end users, highlighting the importance of probabilistic information in generating impact-based warnings, specifically for events like flash floods in urban areas.
The researcher will benefit from extensive expertise in hydrological modeling and probabilistic models for precipitation prediction provided by the Unit of Hydraulics and Geotechnics at KU Leuven and the RMI. This background will allow for the full utilization of probabilistic forecasts for the development of impact-based warnings.
Profile
We invite candidates who currently possess or are on the verge of completing a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geosciences, Meteorology, Hydrology, or a related field, and demonstrate a keen interest in high-impact weather. The following qualifications are essential for this role:
- Outstanding academic performance or distinction in your Master’s program.
- Proficiency in mathematical and statistical analysis.
- Proficiency in Python or similar development software.
- Strong command of spoken and written English.
- While not mandatory, experience in machine learning/AI and hydrological modeling is highly desirable.
- Possess critical thinking skills and demonstrate independence, proactiveness, and the ability to work well within a team.
For further details on meeting the admission requirements of the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School, please refer to additional information provided at https://admin.kuleuven.be/reglementen/en/education/phd-students/phdregulation-set
Offer
- We are offering a highly competitive full-time doctoral scholarship for a duration of 4 years, leading to the attainment of a PhD degree in Civil Engineering.
- As part of this opportunity, you will have access to a range of transferable skills, such as teaching or leadership, through participation in specialized courses and training organized by the Arenberg Doctoral School at KU Leuven.
- You will also become part of an interdisciplinary research platform, allowing you to establish your own professional network at national and international levels. This includes collaboration with esteemed colleagues from the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI), weather offices in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany, as well as engagement with local stakeholders.
- As a doctoral candidate, you will have the chance to participate in various international workshops, summer schools, and conferences, broadening your knowledge and exposure to the latest advancements in your field.
- You will be provided with a dedicated workspace at the Civil Engineering Department in Leuven, ensuring a conducive environment for your research activities.
- Throughout your doctoral journey, personalized mentoring will be provided, offering guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.
- While funding is available, we will actively assist and support you in applying for additional fellowships to enhance your research experience.
- In addition to the above, you will enjoy multiple benefits including health insurance, access to university services, and utilization of sports facilities, among others.
- We also understand the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, which is why we offer flexibility for you to engage in extra-curricular activities alongside your academic pursuits.
More information
Nowcasting and Forecasting at RMI
FED-tWIN at BELSPO
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ricardo Reinoso-Rondinel, tel.: +32 16 37 24 83, mail: ricardo.reinoso-rondinel@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. ir. Patrick Willems, tel.: +32 16 32 16 58, mail: patrick.willems@kuleuven.be.
If you have a passion for high-impact weather, precipitation observation, flooding prediction, and/or modeling methodologies, and believe that you possess the qualifications we are seeking, we encourage you to apply for this position.
To apply, please prepare and submit the following documents: a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), a CV (maximum 2 pages), copies of your BSc and MSc transcripts and diplomas, and proof of English proficiency. Please note that the selected candidate must hold an MSc degree before starting the appointment.
For full consideration, please submit your application no later than July 26th, 2023, using our online application tool. Should you require further information, feel free to contact Prof. Ricardo Reinoso-Rondinel at ricardo.reinoso-rondinel@kuleuven.be or Prof. Patrick Willems at patrick.willems@kuleuven.be.
We look forward to receiving your application and considering you for this exciting opportunity.
You can apply for this job no later than July 26, 2023 via the online application tool
KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.
