About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The doctoral position offers aspiring researchers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research addressing one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges—urban freshwater scarcity.
The research is part of a broader effort to develop innovative strategies that improve water sustainability in cities while supporting global efforts to combat climate change and strengthen urban resilience.
Research Focus: Reducing the Urban Water Footprint
As freshwater scarcity continues to emerge as a significant global risk, European cities are experiencing growing pressure on their water resources due to rapid urbanization, climate change, and increasing demand for clean water.
Although household water consumption accounts for a relatively small share of total water abstraction, it remains a critical area of public concern because it directly affects everyday life. The PhD project aims to improve understanding of urban water consumption by developing more comprehensive methods of water footprint accounting that incorporate behavioral, environmental, and infrastructure-related factors.
The research will investigate innovative approaches to sustainable water management, with particular emphasis on:
Rainwater harvesting systems
Household water conservation strategies
Community-level water management solutions
Sustainable urban drainage systems
Water demand forecasting
Urban water footprint assessment
Climate-resilient water infrastructure
Decision-support tools for water managers
The project seeks to generate practical solutions that can help cities better manage water resources while adapting to future environmental and demographic changes.
Desired Candidate Profile
The program is seeking highly motivated applicants with strong academic backgrounds in civil or environmental engineering and related disciplines.
Preferred qualifications include:
Knowledge of sustainable urban drainage systems
Experience in water supply systems
Applied hydrology and hydraulics
Statistical analysis and data modelling
Socio-economic modelling
Programming experience using MATLAB, R, or Python
Familiarity with EPA-SWMM and EPANET software
Excellent written and spoken English
Ability to work in interdisciplinary and international research environments
Willingness to participate in international mobility opportunities
Candidates with research experience in sustainable water management or environmental engineering may be particularly well suited for the position.
Research Environment at the University of Messina
The successful candidate will carry out research within the Department of Engineering at the University of Messina, joining the Water Engineering and Hydrology Research Group coordinated by Professor Giuseppe T. Aronica.
The research team includes academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD candidates working across several areas of water engineering, including:
Water resources management
Sustainable urban drainage
Water supply systems
Hydrology
Hydraulics
The group actively participates in national and international research projects while collaborating with universities, public agencies, and private-sector organizations around the world, providing PhD researchers with valuable opportunities for international collaboration and professional development.
Research Areas and Global Impact
The PhD aligns with several internationally recognized research priorities, including:
Environmental engineering
Sustainable water treatment and resource management
Environmental and climate policy
Hydrology and hydrogeology
Water and soil pollution
The project also directly contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13: Climate Action
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply through the official PhD admissions platform. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility requirements, application procedures, and submission deadlines before preparing their application materials.
For academic inquiries regarding the research project, prospective applicants may contact Professor Giuseppe T. Aronica at garonica@unime.it.
This doctoral opportunity offers an excellent pathway for researchers interested in sustainable urban water management, climate adaptation, and environmental engineering while contributing to innovative research with real-world societal impact.
How to apply