"Postdoctoral Researchers in Water and Digitalisation"

Aalto University’s Water and Environmental Engineering Research Group is looking for

Postdoctoral researchers in water and digitalisation

The duration of the positions is 1.5 years, starting latest in summer 2026.

The positions are based on Aalto University’s Water and Environmental Engineering Research Group WAT (Water and Environmental Engineering | Aalto University). WAT is a multi- and interdisciplinary group that promotes sustainable water management through three key research areas: Water Resources Management and Environmental Hydraulics, Water and Development; and Water and Wastewater Engineering.

All positions are linked to the Digital Waters (DIWA) Flagship (www.digitalwaters.fi): more information on DIWA can be found below.

We are now looking for three Postdoctoral Researchers with topics related to the development of digital solutions for water resources measurement, modelling, assessment, planning and management, including the role of Digital Twins:

1. Watershed modelling and links with digital solutions and Digital Twin creation
2. River system model data pipelines and Digital Twin creation
3. Transformative water management through digital solutions

Requirements for the positions

• Doctoral degree from a relevant field (completed before starting in the position)
• A good command of English
• Ability and enthusiasm to work in the position and as part of a multidisciplinary research network.

The applicants should clearly indicate which of the three positions they are applying for. You can apply for several positions, but you should indicate your preference for those on the application form.

We encourage applicants from a variety of relevant fields to apply, including e.g. water engineering, hydrology, natural sciences and geosciences. Knowledge of the key aspects of the positions (of watershed modelling for topic 1, river system modelling for topic 2, and transformative water management for topic 3) is a strong merit for the positions. Prior knowledge of digital twins is a major asset related to all three topics. Coding skills are required for the positions related to topics 1 and 2, while Finnish language competence as well as experience from stakeholder collaboration are strong merits for the position on topic 3.

Please state your skills when demonstrating the ability to work in the position (see below the required documents).

What we offer

• We offer you an interesting job in an inspiring and multidisciplinary work environment. We will familiarize you with your work tasks, and you will be part of a competent team that will provide you with support for your tasks. We encourage and offer opportunities for continuous development of your own expertise.
• You will become part of a wide and unique network of researchers, from early career to senior researchers within the DIWA Flagship.
• The expected starting date in the position is at the latest on June 1st, 2026. Living in Finland during the contract is compulsory.
• Employment contracts will be made for 1.5 years with the funding from the Research Council of Finland.
• Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary is approximately 4050 €/month (gross), and it increases as the Postdoctoral Researcher progresses in their research.
• The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare.
• We work in a hybrid way with flexible office hours, and the primary workplace is at our active university campus in Otaniemi, Espoo.

Ready to apply?

To apply, please submit your application through our recruitment system by Friday February 20, 2026 (23:59 EET [UTC+2]). Click “Apply now”.

Please include the following documents in English, preferably as a single pdf-file (name the file: lastname_firstname_application.pdf):

• Letter of Motivation (1 page), where you introduce yourself and describe your research interests and motivation for the position. Applicants should demonstrate the ability (incl. technical skills) to work in the position. We request the applicant to also mention which one of the three topics would be their preferred topic.
• A Curriculum Vitae (2 pages), including contact details of two relevant referees (please see CV example: Template for researcher's curriculum vitae | Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK). You are also encouraged to include links to your personal webpage, LinkedIn page or similar.
• List of Publications, including the titles and possible links to scientific publications.
• Abstract of the Doctoral Thesis and link to the actual Thesis.
• Research statement of the selected research topic (2 pages): Indicate your relevant skills and include a plan on how you would develop digital solutions on water resources measurement, modelling, assessments, planning and/or management. Also clearly note your envisioned contribution on developing Digital Twins of watersheds, from the perspective of the position you are applying to. The use of artificial intelligence to assist in the preparation of the research plan should be clearly indicated in the research plan.