Open International Scholarships

PhD scholarship: Eco-hydrology: Modelling surface water – ground water interactions and ecological impacts DHI Water & Environment (DHI) The Technical University of Denmark, Department of Environmental Engineering (DTU)

Applications are invited for a PhD scholarship in the area of eco-hydrological modeling, in particular modeling of integrated surface water- ground water systems at the catchment scale and the ecological impacts of contamination in such systems. The PhD position will be co-funded by the Danish Council for Strategic Research, DHI Water Environment Health in Denmark and the Technical University of Denmark through the research project RISKPOINT.

Project description
RISKPOINT aims to develop tools that can be used to identify, clean-up and manage contaminants in the presence of surface water ground water interactions. Water- borne contaminants are transported through the different compartments of thehydrological cycle and a complete understanding of these interactions and the impact on the ecological status of the receiving surface waters is required to effectively manage catchments under for example the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) . A key objective of the WFD is to protect and enhance the status of aquatic ecosystems (and riparian terrestrial ecosystems including wetlands). The WFD also emphasizes the need to recognize the continuity of water and contaminant fluxes across the ground water-surface water interface. Management of such systems is carried out at the catchment scale which requires catchment scale modelling of surface water- groundwater interactions, contaminant transport and ecological impacts. This PhD will focus on understanding and modelling these interactions and ecological impacts using mathematical models and the application of these models to real case studies. The case studies are expected to include well-instrumented catchments in Denmark and the US, where surface water and groundwater interactions and ecological impacts are important. New ecological modelling tools will be coupled with state-of-the-art hydrological modelling to investigate water resources and ecological impacts and management of such systems.

Qualifications
For this position we seek a young researcher with a Master’s degree in engineering, earth science, or quantitative ecology with an interest in ecology and hydrological modelling. We expect good communication skills, both verbally and in writing. A strong background in either hydrological science/modelling or ecological science/modelling and an interest in working across these disciplines is required. A background in eco-hydrology and/or some programming experience would be an
advantage. The position is open to both international and Danish candidates. Terms of employment
The position is for a fixed duration of three years. The scholarships are fully funded. Annual salary starts at 40,000 € plus pension/holiday pay. We are offering an exciting position in international and innovative environment where the successful candidate will be working closely with the academic staff at DTU and with ecological and hydrological modelling staff at DHI. In addition, the project includes links to a number of international research groups.

Application
Applicants are requested to submit a short description of qualifications related to the project along their contact details, CV and 2 references by e-mail to both Michael Butts (mib@dhigroup.com) and Peter Bauer-Gottwein (pbg@er.dtu.dk) The deadline for applying is August 15th 2008 and the successful candidate will be selected shortly thereafter.

Further information
Please contact Head of Innovation, DHI, Dr Michael Butts (mib@dhigroup.com +45 45 16 92 00) or Associate Professor Peter Bauer-Gottwein (pbg@er.dtu.dk , +45 45 25 21 71)

About DTU Environment
DTU Environment is a department at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) aiming at developing technical and sustainable solutions to minimize the impact of society on the environment through research and teaching in water supply, wastewater, solid waste, hydrology, geology, ecotoxicology, environmental chemistry andmicrobiology at an international level.Water, soil and minerals are scarce and precious resources that must be carefully managed. To meet these challenges the department conducts field and laboratoryresearch as well as modelling studies in water resources systems, petrophysics, fateand effects of pollutants, remediation technologies, water supply and wastewater
treatment.More information is available at www.env.dtu.dk

About DHI
DHI Water & Environment is an independent research and consultancy organisation authorised by the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation as an Approved Technological Service Institute. DHI’s activities are based on the development and application of know-how and advanced technologies within coastal river, ports and offshore engineering as well as ecology, water resources, environmental chemistry, urban and industrial water and other areas related towater environment such as sediment transport and river and coast morphology The DHI group includes the main office in Denmark and 18 international offices with a total staff of more than 720, the majority of whom are professional engineers and scientists with post-graduate qualifications. More information is available at www.dhigroup.com