Research Fellow in Sustainable Hydropower

SEI HQ is looking for an experienced and motivated colleague with a background in hydrological modelling and water resources governance to lead and further develop our portfolio within One Water governance and contribute to the work with resilient infrastructures. The role will focus on two key areas: hydropower, and hydrometeorological hazards and disaster risk reduction.
The Water, Coasts and Ocean (WCO) Team promotes knowledge for more inclusive and resilient coastal systems in a changing world. “Resilient coasts for all” is our ambition and we do this by generating knowledge that contributes to liveable, resourceful, accessible and connected places. Our work is geared towards exploring how integrated planning of water, coasts and marine areas and their activities, infrastructures, services and the rules and norms that regulate them can be transformed away from reactionary practices and towards anticipation.
The role
WCO was recently established as part of SEI HQ and we are on a mission to set up a dream team! We are looking for an experienced and motivated colleague with a background in hydrological modelling and water resources governance to lead and further develop our portfolio within One Water governance and contribute to work with resilient infrastructures.
The candidate will focus on two key areas. The first and primary area includes the role of hydropower and the impact of operations upon freshwater ecosystems, including biodiversity, sediment processes, water quality and temperature. The candidate will primarily be engaged in the new Water innovation for sustainable energy project, where he/she/they will lead the work related to the coupling of water-energy systems from a river basin approach and the ecosystem effects from an expected increase in renewable energy and water demand in northern Sweden. The candidate will primarily work with SEI’s WEAP (Water Evaluation and Planning) Tool. Other useful approaches can also be used in addition to WEAP. Together with the team, the candidate will support the connection with SEI’s Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP).
The second area is on hydrometeorological hazards and disaster risk reduction. The candidate will work together with the team on the HydroHazards project, exploring the cascading effects on multiple hydrometeorological hazards on critical infrastructures. The specific tasks to be performed by the candidate include modelling of river floods and/or precipitation.
Both projects operate in a Swedish context, so knowledge of hydropower and water governance in Sweden is important.
Key responsibilities and duties
Intellectual leadership
Fundraising
Policy and communications



Who you are
The WCO team values diversity, creativity and unity and we believe in dialogue, collaboration and teamwork. We work hard to deliver excellent science that have positive impact on the actors and places where we engage. To complete our team, we are looking for a motivated team player with passion for water. You are reliable, can adapt and are able to incorporate insights to connect your area of expertise with coastal and marine issues. You are driven by challenges and can work in a fast-paced environment with varied tasks. You are comfortable leading creative and strategic research and are able to produce high-quality analytical outputs together with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team. You take initiative and have commitment to excellence and results, as well as enthusiasm for supporting scientific research and policy engagement.
Required qualifications and experience
PhD and some experience in relevant field within water resources management hydrology, hydraulics, engineering or similar.
Strong background in hydrological/water resources modelling and hydropower operations
Good understanding of role of water in energy system, particularly in Swedish context
Good understanding of role of reservoirs in regulated river basins
Understanding of production of other water-related services from reservoirs besides hydroelectric power
Ability to assess environmental impacts from hydropower
Ability to understand hydropower governance and regulation
Broad understanding of water-related risks and their impacts on society and the environment
Broad understanding of interplay between water, climate change and adaptation
Experience with geographical Information system (GIS) and/or WEAP or similar software
Proven experience in intellectual leadership and high-quality publications in relevant fields
Good ability to read and speak Swedish
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English for both technical and lay audiences
Acquaintance with the European landscape of research and innovation
Experience working with at least one of the following stakeholders: cities, municipalities, local planners, public agencies, regional organizations, innovators or innovation agencies.



Our offer
At SEI HQ, we offer a stimulating position in an international environment. You will be part of a leading, multinational, multidisciplinary and multilingual team of experts in an organization where the well-being and development of our employees is of high priority. We value diversity and creativity at the core of what we do and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Our ambition is to provide a safe, professional and creative workspace for all.
Employment at SEI HQ includes:
Collective agreement incl. occupational pension and many other collectively agreed benefits
Annual healthcare contribution and additional benefits connected to promoting employees well-being such as yearly health check-ups
Opportunities for professional growth and development
Flexible working hours, 37.5-hour workweek and generous amount of vacation days
Being part of tackling environmental and development challenges developing solutions for a sustainable future for all.



How to apply
We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis, so please submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than 28 February 2022, 23:59 Stockholm local time.
Applications should be written in English and consist of a short CV and cover letter (maximum 1 page).
As we only accept applications through our recruitment system, please apply online using the button below and include:
Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
Curriculum vitae.