PhD Position in System Dynamics for Water Resilience Governance
Join the INTEGRATOR EU Horizon Europe project to develop participatory system dynamics models for climate-resilient water management.
Best for:Best for candidates with a master’s degree in System Dynamics or related fields, strong quantitative and computational skills, and experience in participatory modeling and interdisciplinary research.
Overview
This PhD position at the University of Bergen’s Department of Geography focuses on advancing climate-resilient water governance through participatory system dynamics modeling. As part of the EU Horizon Europe project INTEGRATOR, the successful candidate will contribute to developing stakeholder-led strategies and digital water intelligence systems for two critical river basins: the Ergene in Türkiye and the Jucar-Albufera system in Spain. The role involves collaborative research, participatory modeling, and computer simulations to support evidence-based decision-making under changing climatic and socio-economic conditions. The position is ideal for applicants with a strong background in system dynamics, modeling, and interdisciplinary research, offering a chance to work within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to transformative water governance solutions.
What you'll do
- Develop and apply participatory system dynamics models to support evidence-based water governance strategies for the Ergene and Jucar-Albufera river basins.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to co-design resilient and equitable water solutions through structured participatory processes in INTEGRATOR’s Decision Theatres.
- Integrate multisource information, including hydrological and system dynamics models, into a Digital Water Intelligence System (DWIS).
- Develop and refine a prompt compiler (HydroFellow) to translate human language into executable simulations for decision-making.
- Conduct site-specific digital twin development and integration for the selected case studies.
- Present research findings and contribute to project deliverables within the INTEGRATOR framework.
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, workshops, and conferences to disseminate research outcomes.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in System Dynamics or a related discipline with a strong focus on system, modeling, and simulation (e.g., Environmental Science, Engineering, or Social Sciences).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency (written and oral) at a level suitable for academic research and collaboration. Proficiency in Spanish or Turkish is considered an advantage.
Instruction: English
- Proven experience in participatory modeling and system dynamics techniques.
- Strong quantitative and computational foundations, including proficiency in modeling software.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Experience with stakeholder engagement and scenario-building for socio-economic-hydrological systems.
- Applicant must hold a master’s degree completed by the application deadline.
- Grade B or better on the master’s thesis and overall master’s degree.
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions, but ability to work on-site in Bergen is required.
- No age restrictions, but prior experience in multidisciplinary research teams is desirable.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-01
Applicants must submit their application through the Jobbnorge portal. The application must include a cover letter, project proposal (max 2500 words), CV, transcripts, diplomas, list of publications, and references. A research proposal outlining the topic, research questions, methods, and fit with the INTEGRATOR project is mandatory. Applications without a project proposal will not be considered.
- Cover letter with research interests and motivation
- Project proposal (max 2500 words)
- CV
- Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- List of academic publications
- Academic publications for assessment (including master’s thesis)
- Names and contact details of two references (one must be the main advisor for the master’s thesis)
Contact
Ali K. Saysel· Professor
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