PhD student position in Urban Water modeling via EURAXESS

Offer Description

The Research Unit of the University of the Aegean seeks one PhD student of the University of the Aegean or for a potential PhD student of the University of the Aegean, who will focus on the development of an innovative integrated approach (digital twin) for the monitoring, management, and utilization of urban water resources. 

The selected individual will participate in a project funded by Horizon Europe (HORIZON-CL6-2024-ZEROPOLLUTION-02 (Clean environment and zero pollution). Project No: 101180452), with the title “A novel, integrated approach to urban water quality monitoring, management and valorisation – UrbaqQuantum”

The work of the selected applicant will be supervised by Prof. Demetris-Francis Lekkas (Department of Environment, https://www.env.aegean.gr/all_staff/demetris-f-lekkas/).

About the project

Conventional, fragmented approaches to urban water management are no longer adequate as they have failed (or are likely to fail) from the perspective of cost effectiveness, technical performance, social equity, and environmental sustainability. A system-wide paradigm shift is required towards the formation of a synergic urban-water relationship. Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) provides a framework for interventions over the entire water cycle which simultaneously advance water resources security, enhance the quality of life, optimise economic growth, maintain ecological balance and improve water systems’ resilience to climate change. Effective implementation of IUWM though must overcome some important challenges before these benefits can be realized. UrbaQuantum sets clear Key Strategic Objectives (KSO s) through which the main challenges will be addressed, leading to effective implementation of IUWM. 

The project includes 4 case studies/pilots (Athens, Paris, Exeter, Coruna) where several models and sensors will be evaluated. A close collaboration is foreseen with the water utilities and use case providers; particularly EYDAP who is leading the Greek pilot.

About the Waste Management Laboratory 

The Waste Management Laboratory (WML, https://www.env.aegean.gr/research/research-laboratories/waste-manageme…– laboratory/) has a long-term experience in the implementation of research activities related to Circular Economy, Hydrology and Water Resources, Floods and Droughts and Analysis and simulation of environmental systems

Position description

We are looking for a PhD student of the University of the Aegean, who will either be a PhD student at this time, or if not, will complete the process specified by the Department’s study regulations for registration as a PhD student before the approval of the fellowship agreement, interested in computational optimization or systems engineering (e.g. systems, computer science, statistics, electrical/chemical engineering, applied mathematics, etc). The student will have the opportunity to:

• Become a key member of a European project implementing state-of-the-art technologies
• Explore and develop new models and approaches for sewer overflows and sewer/surface water interaction
• Participate in a European Research project, coordinate with partners (organize technical meetings and work with multinational teams) and write technical documentation and deliverables.

Where to apply

E-mail: elke_positions@aegean.gr

Skills/Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Water Management, Hydrology, or a related field.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and statistical tools.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Greek is an asset.

All candidates must have a record of academic excellence in any field involving advanced empirical research or computational optimization or systems engineering (e.g. systems, computer science, statistics, electrical/chemical engineering, applied mathematics, etc) and either be PhD student of the University of the Aegean at this time, or if not, will complete the process specified by the Department’s study regulations for registration as a PhD student before the approval of the fellowship agreement

Specific Requirements

• Strong background in urban water quality monitoring and research methodologies.
• Experience with sensor technologies and data analysis, particularly related to pollutants in water.
• Familiarity with EU water policies and legislative frameworks, including the Water Framework Directive and the Drinking Water Directive
• Publications in journals and/or conferences

Additional Information

Benefits

Expected job benefits

The successful candidate will participate in a team of active researchers working in high level applied research with key EU industry and academic partners. The position offers:

• Opportunity to work on a groundbreaking project with significant societal impacts
• Collaborative environment with access to leading experts in environmental science and water management.
• Professional development opportunities, including workshops and conferences
• Development of interdisciplinary research skills
• Research outcome visibility

Contract Duration

The PhD will be funded with a fellowship contract for 36 months with the possibility of modification according to project needs.

Work location

The selected PhD student will offer services as needed at university facilities with physical presence. The project requires, however, frequent online participation in project and Lab meetings

Allocated budget

The salary is in the form of fellowship and the maximum allocated budget is 1.000€ monthly. The range of hourly rate: 14 – 20 euros/hour. Depends on experience and qualifications.

Envisaged starting date: December 2025

Eligibility criteria

Applicants should submit the following documents in PDF format by email:

1. Application Form (here)
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. List of publications relevant to the job announcement (if available)
4. The names and contact details of two refereesApplications should be submitted by email sent to: elke_positions@aegean.grApplication deadline: 25/11/2025

Selection process

The assessment of the curriculum evaluation will be based on the documents applicants will provide. In case an interview will be needed, applicants will be invited to participate via teleconference.

The selection criteria for candidates will take into account their qualifications and previous research experience, including qualifications and experience obtained in non-standard and informal ways (as presented in the submitted application documents). UAegean focuses on cultivating a research community that advances gender equality, ends all forms of discrimination, and empowers women researchers.

Applications will be evaluated by an Evaluation Committee composed of three (3) UAegean professors from different academic departments (gender balanced, chaired by the project’s Principal Investigator). Applicants that do not fulfill the required qualifications will be excluded from the evaluation process.

After evaluation, applicants will receive a notification email with a short summary of the evaluation report. Applicants who were not selected have the right to appeal the selection decision, by addressing their written objection to the University of the Aegean Research Unit Secretariat within five days from the notification date (via email sent to rcs@aegean.gr). The permanent Committee for Appeals and Objections, which is supported by a member of the UAegean RU Secretariat, will review the process and issue advice to the UAegean Research Committee on letters of objection submitted by the non-selected applicants. The Research Committee will receive the advice of the Committee for Appeals and Objections and take a decision on the objection (process defined by the Greek Law, 4957/2022, article 245). 

Website for additional job details: https://ru.aegean.gr