PhD in Landscape Governance and Management

Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management

Doctoral studies subject:

Landscape architecture

Description of the doctoral project:

Governance and organisational adaptation related to the operation and maintenance of urban drainage infrastructure

Daywater transports a wide range of pollutants from urban environments to receptions, posing major challenges for the protection of surface water and coastal ecosystems. Urban drainage infrastructure, such as drains and stormwater dams, plays a crucial role by capturing and retaining sediments and associated pollutants. However, the functioning of the infrastructure depends on efficient operation and maintenance, which in practice is often reactive or based on fixed intervals, despite large spatial and temporal variation in sediment accumulation and vegetation development. This doctoral project is part of a major interdisciplinary research initiative aimed at enabling a transition to a more data-driven and environmentally responsible maintenance of the city's drainage infrastructure. The overall objective is to reduce the pollution load on coastal and marine environments while supporting sustainable urban water management.

The PhD project will focus on identifying strategies for coherent long-term organisational structures and assessing how stakeholder discourses, rules and resources shape the feasibility of various operational and maintenance systems defined within the overall project. This includes a governance-oriented assessment of the feasibility of the various operational and maintenance systems, and identification of adaptation strategies, based on legal and political frameworks as well as financial frameworks also identified by project partners. The theory of "programmatic alignment", long-term strategic management and perspectives of nature-based thinking (organisational, ecological and social dependencies) will be used as the basis for the analysis. Based on this, organisational and governance aspects of long-term maintenance of urban drainage infrastructure will be described, as well as the governance challenges and obstacles that affect the ability to achieve healthy coastal environments.

Within the project, the doctoral student will collaborate with stakeholders in both the water and sewage sectors and the green sector. The doctoral student will communicate the results with both industry and international researchers.

Tasks:

As a doctoral student, you will perform both empirical and theoretical work. You will learn to collect and analyse data in your research area and communicate your research results at national and international conferences and in scientific publications. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies, including both research and course work. In addition, you will also perform institutional tasks, such as teaching and/or assisting in other research projects. You will have two or three supervisors to support you in your work.

Competence:

Basic permissions if you have completed a second-cycle degree, have completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at second-cycle level, or have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7 § 39).

Specific jurisdiction to be admitted to doctoral studies in the subject Landscape Architecture  has knowledge corresponding to at least 90 credits in relevant subjects. This should include an independent project. At least 30 credits should be at advanced level.

In addition, you must have knowledge of English that corresponds to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish high school.

Your background:

Required qualifications

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Natural Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture (Planning/Management), Organization/Management Theory or a Related Field
• Excellent communication skills in English, both in writing and orally
• Have the ability to work independently and take initiatives
• Have the ability to take on new research areas

Wishful Qualifications

• Good communication skills in Swedish or another Scandinavian language, both in writing and orally
• Ownership of a valid driving licence in Sweden

About us:

The subject group Landscape governance and management has a strong position in research and education on urban landscapes and their management, including urban water systems, mainly stormwater. The group consists of approximately 15 members and the group's overall goal is to contribute to how governance and management can be developed to support sustainability, use and relevance of outdoor environments, often in applied development and in innovation-driven contexts.

Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at SLU at  https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/

Read more about SLU's doctoral studies at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/.

Form of supply and remuneration:

Postgraduate student  (4 years of education). 

The salary for the doctoral position follows local collective agreements with fixed salary steps.

Scope:

100%

Location:

Alnarp

Access:  

1 February 2027 or as soon as possible.

Application and selection:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later2026-11-16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Read more about the appendices that your application should contain at  https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/

Selection of qualified applicants is based on the appendices attached to the application, and shall be made taking into account the ability to complete the training within the time allowed.

Trade unions

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Note: This is an abbreviated ad to be adapted to the plasbanken advertising system. See full ad on the SLU website: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/lediga-jobb/