Reference number 2026/819
Do you want to help drive the societal transition towards sustainable water for all? We are looking for passionate researchers who are passionate about making the world a better place with increased knowledge about water in soil, lakes and waterways.
At the Hydrological Research Unit, we develop innovative services in water and climate, from data collection to forecasts and advanced scenario tools, both in Sweden and globally. We calculate variation in water availability and hydrological effects of societal and climate change, as well as model water quality and flows from source to sea.
Our work results in decision-making data for spatial planning and environmental goal work, as well as better forecasts for the hydrological warning service and the business community. The unit has around 45 employees from 15 countries.
About the service
We are now looking for two dedicated employees to join our team that researches hydrological processes with a focus on Sweden. As a researcher with us, you will be a key person in a team where hydrological modeling is used for direct societal benefit in current issues. You will drive exciting projects, while staying at the forefront through external monitoring, writing new project applications and building strong relationships with other authorities and Swedish business.
You will work in a research group where the activities support water management and long-term community planning. The group focuses on quantifying water availability and dynamics to provide a basis for transition according to political goals, including sustainable water supply, measures against unwanted flooding or water pollution, as well as the effects of nature restoration and climate adaptation.
Scientific tasks include, for example, development and evaluation of hydrological models, analysis of water status under different scenarios, improvement of model routines to evaluate adaptation measures or evaluation of climate impacts on hydrological factors. You will also participate in policy dialogues with societal actors and contribute to the development of water planning services on a national and local scale. The main focus is on Swedish hydrology, but there are also opportunities to work on European or global issues.
About you
We are looking for someone who is goal-oriented, committed, and enjoys working both independently and together with others. You are a secure and stable person with good self-awareness. To succeed in the role, you need to be creative with an interest in the world around you.
You have a university education with a PhD in hydrology or a related subject area that SMHI deems equivalent. You have demonstrated competence and scientific working methods through scientific publications in international journals and are used to giving presentations to other researchers and laypeople.
You have experience in hydrological modeling with process-oriented models and a good understanding of hydrological processes at different scales. You have good knowledge of Sweden’s hydrology, geography and climate. It is a strong merit if you have demonstrated competence in writing research applications and leading projects.
You must already have permission to live and work in Sweden to be eligible for the position.
Requirements for the service
- Good knowledge of Swedish and English, both spoken and written.
- Good communication skills
- Good knowledge of scientific programming linked to the management and evaluation of model results and large data sets
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office or similar
It is meritorious to
- Programming skills in e.g. R, Python or FORTRAN.
- Knowledge of development tools (e.g. Git) and automated quality assurance
- Knowledge of Linux and supercomputer environment
- Demonstrated competence in other research areas within SMHI’s hydrological activities
- Experience working internationally, in international teams or with people from different cultural backgrounds
If you love researching hydrology and are passionate about water management issues in Sweden, this is the position for you!
Employment type: Permanent employment starting in the period June-September 2026
Place of work: The position is at SMHI’s office in Norrköping. The majority of the working time is spent in the office, but we offer the opportunity to work remotely when it suits the business up to 1-2 days per week. The position involves 2–4 trips per year (domestic and international).
Application deadline: April 20, 2026
Read more about SMHI as a workplace and about our offer here .
SMHI is a Swedish expert authority with a global perspective and a vital task in predicting changes in weather, water and climate. With a scientific basis and through knowledge, research and services, we contribute to increasing the sustainability of society as a whole. Every day, around the clock, all year round.
SMHI is a preparedness authority and as an employee you may be deployed to the authority in the event of war.
The employment may involve placement in a security class. In that case, an approved security clearance with a register check according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585) is a prerequisite for employment and may require Swedish citizenship.
Keep in mind that the documents and information you send to SMHI through your application will be a public document. This means that all material in the application, including attachments, may need to be disclosed to the person requesting it if the information is not subject to confidentiality according to the Public Access and Secrecy Act. Remember to primarily write what you consider to be relevant in relation to the requirements of the position. Consider your privacy and avoid providing information that contains sensitive personal data, information about your or your loved ones’ health, political opinions or religious beliefs.
Contact persons
Alena Bartosova
Group leader
011-495 80 00
firstname.lastname@smhi.se
Julia Joachimsson
HR specialist
011-495 80 00
firstname.lastname@smhi.se
Gustav Strandberg
SACO
011-495 80 00
firstname.lastname@smhi.se
Thomas Bosshard
ST
011-495 80 00
firstname.lastname@smhi.se
