The Doctoral Student in Digitalization for the Water Sector Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded PhD opportunity offered by Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. It focuses on advancing digital technologies, sensor systems, and data-driven solutions for drinking water treatment and management.

This is a salaried PhD position where the selected candidate works as a researcher while completing doctoral studies.

About the Doctoral Student in Digitalization for the Water Sector Scholarship

The PhD project is hosted by the Division of Water Environment Technology within the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering.

For the 2026 intake, the program:

  • Is offered by Chalmers University of Technology
  • Focuses on digitalization and automation in drinking water treatment systems
  • Works with Swedish water providers and sensor technology companies
  • Studies how real-time sensor data can improve water quality monitoring
  • Includes both fieldwork and laboratory validation of water quality data
  • Uses large-scale environmental datasets and advanced data analysis workflows
  • Applies FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable)

The goal is to make drinking water systems more efficient, cost-effective, and data-driven.

Why Choose The Doctoral Student in Digitalization for the Water Sector Scholarship?

This PhD is ideal for students interested in environmental engineering, data science, and applied sustainability research.

At Chalmers University of Technology, researchers benefit from:

  • Strong collaboration with Swedish water utilities and industry partners
  • Real-world pilot projects in water treatment facilities
  • Access to advanced environmental monitoring technologies
  • Fully funded employment with a competitive salary
  • Hands-on work combining field, lab, and computational research
  • Opportunities to contribute to climate and sustainability solutions

This position is especially valuable for students interested in environmental data science and water engineering innovation.

Doctoral Student in Digitalization for the Water Sector Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: Sweden
  • Host University: Chalmers University of Technology
  • Program Name: PhD in Digitalization for the Water Sector
  • Study Level: Doctoral (PhD)
  • Funding Type: Fully funded employment
  • Salary: ~35,725 SEK/month (starting)
  • Field: Environmental Engineering, Water Systems, Data Science
  • Duration: 4 years (extendable to 5 with teaching duties)
  • Application Deadline: 7 June 2026
  • Reference Number: REF 2026-0206

Key Research Areas

This PhD focuses on:

  • Digitalization of drinking water treatment systems
  • Real-time sensor monitoring and validation
  • Water quality data analytics
  • Environmental chemistry measurements
  • Large-scale environmental data processing
  • Pilot testing in real water treatment plants
  • Smart infrastructure for water management
  • Decision-support systems for utilities

Benefits of This PhD Position

Selected candidates receive:

  • Full-time salaried PhD employment
  • Monthly salary (~35,725 SEK)
  • Fully funded doctoral studies
  • Access to Swedish water infrastructure pilot projects
  • Collaboration with industry and municipalities
  • Teaching opportunities (up to 20%)
  • Strong research and lab training environment
  • International academic exposure

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent 4-year Bachelor’s degree for international students) in:
    • Environmental Engineering
    • Data Science
    • Environmental Chemistry
    • Related disciplines
  • Have strong English communication skills
  • Experience in:
    • Data analysis and programming workflows
    • Environmental measurement concepts (e.g., detection limits)
  • Ability to work independently and in research teams

Preferred Skills

Stronger candidates often have:

  • Experience with scientific programming languages (Python, R, etc.)
  • Laboratory wet-chemistry experience
  • Knowledge of water treatment systems
  • Swedish language skills (B2 level is a plus)
  • Experience handling large datasets
  • Strong communication and project management skills

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

  • CV (Curriculum Vitae)
  • Personal motivation letter
  • Academic transcripts
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s theses (if available)
  • Statement of interest
  • References (requested later in process)

Application Process & Timeline

Follow these steps:

  1. Prepare CV and motivation letter
  2. Compile academic transcripts and thesis documents
  3. Submit an application through the Chalmers recruitment portal
  4. Application review by the academic committee
  5. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews
  6. Final selection and PhD employment offer