R1 - PhD Student position - Urban Water Resources and Digital Twin Technologies via EURAXESS

Offer Description

The Department of Environment at the University of the Aegean seeks to appoint a potential PhD Student with expertise in computational methods and systems analysis for a 48-month European Horizon project named UrbaQuantum, focused 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 – UrbaQuantum”

The work of the selected applicant will be supervised by Prof. Demetris-Francis Lekkas (Department of Environment).

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 motivated candidate 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. 

They should be 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:

• Contribute to T4.1 Modelling of urban sewer network flow and the bidirectional interactions between surface water and sewer network
• Provide support to T4.2 Modelling of pathogen & pollutant transportation in urban areas
• Contribute to T4.3 Knowledge-base development, led by University of the Aegean.
• Contribute to T4.4 Integrating real-time models and developing strategies
• Support T4.5 Studying & proposing effective source control measures and strategies for safe & sustainable decentralised water reuse
• Support project coordination activities in WP1 (Project Management and Coordination – Reporting Period 2)
• Contribute to WP6 (Validations, assessments and demonstration) and WP7 (Dissemination) activities
• Collaborate with consortium partners across European pilot sites to refine and apply analytical frameworks
• Contribute to project deliverables, academic publications, and research outputs 

Where to apply

E-mail: elke_positions@aegean.gr

Skills/Qualifications

Applicants must have a master’s degree in systems engineering and/or information systems, applied mathematics and computer science,or related engineering fields, and possess a background in analysis and simulation of systems (environmental preferably-not exclusively).

Main Required Research Experience / Field: systems analysis, information systems, software development code, data analysis

Specific Requirements

Essential:

Master’s degree in engineering (Systems Engineering, information systems, applied mathematics, computer science), or related field

Candidate must be a PhD Student in relevant field or must be willing to complete the process specified by the Department’s study regulations for registration as a PhD student

Strong theoretical and analytical skills with demonstrated experience in systems thinking, information systems and complexity analysis

Strong literature review and synthesis capabilities

Experience or strong interest in applying systems approaches to environmental and urban contexts

Excellent oral and written skills in English language

Desirable

Publications in data analysis, software applications and development of tools 

Familiarity with advanced empirical research or computational optimization or systems engineering (e.g. systems, computer science, statistics, electrical/chemical engineering, applied mathematics, etc)

Additional Information

Benefits

Expected job benefits

• Full integration into an international research consortium with partners across Europe
• Opportunities for collaboration with European partners and potential research visits to pilot sites
• Professional development through participation in EU project meetings, conferences, and workshops
• Collaborative research environment with opportunities for academic publications and presentations
• Mentorship and supervision from experienced faculty in systemic design and complexity thinking

Contract Duration

The PhD will be funded with a fellowship contract for 12 months with the possibility of extension according to the project needs.

Work location

The selected PhD student will offer services as needed at university in person or remotely, upon agreement with the supervisor (Principal Investigator). 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 

February 2026

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 referees

Applications should be submitted by email sent to: elke_positions@aegean.gr

Application deadline: 25.01.2026

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