Jobs:Job-00838

From CSDMS
2 PhD Positions at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy)
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, , Italy
Apply before: 17 November 2022


We are looking to fill 2 PhD positions, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy), for two projects:
  1. New terrain analysis methods for physically meaningful terrain partitioning in distributed hydrologic modeling
  2. High-performance computing of 2D surface flow propagation in complex drainage systems by using new mesh-independent numerical methods



1 PhD Position at University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
Advisor: Prof. Stefano Orlandini
Co-advisor: Prof. Giovanni Moretti

Title: New terrain analysis methods for physically meaningful terrain partitioning in distributed hydrologic modeling

Our mission: The Hydrologic Research Lab (www.idrologia.unimore.it) led by Prof. Stefano Orlandini at UNIMORE (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy) is committed to discovery science and solution science in the areas of flood risk management and sustainable use of water resources. The UNIMORE Hydrologic Research Lab Is currently looking for a PhD student to investigate surface-subsurface flow interactions by developing new terrain analysis methods for physically meaningful terrain partitioning. The new methods will be used to understand and predict complex topographic structures and surface-subsurface flow propagation in natural and man-altered drainage systems. Surface-subsurface flow models based on physically meaningful unstructured terrain partition are significantly more accurate and computationally efficient than existing model based on regular grids. These models will therefore make it possible the investigation of surface flow processes at spatial and temporal scales that are still poorly explored. As a PhD student you will have the opportunity to further current understanding in this field through a combination of data analysis, fieldwork, and modeling. Specifically, high-resolution (1 m or less) topographic data based on lidar surveys, FORTRAN programming, and high-performance computing will be used in the proposed PhD project.

Main duties and responsibilities include:

  • Perform original research in the area of hydrology and high performance computing.
  • To lead and contribute to publications for high-impact journals.
  • Contribute to broad Lab activities (including co-supervision of MSc students).

Your profile:

  • A MSc in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Physics, Math
  • Strong interest in catchment hydrology and geomorphology.
  • Experience with mathematical/numerical modeling and analysis of large datasets.
  • Creative, enthusiastic, and willing to learn.
  • Self-motivated and have a sense for scientific novelty.
  • Written and oral communication skills in English.
  • Experience with scientific writing is valued.

We offer:

  • A stimulating working environment at the UNIMORE Department of Engineering Enzo Ferrari.
  • Competitive salary and excellent educational conditions.
  • Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research in a dynamic scientific institution.
  • Opportunity to undertake a 6-month visit in some non-Italian university or research center.

Application deadline: 17 November 2022, 13:00 CET.

Start date: 1 January 2023.

Work rate: 100%

Duration: 3-year fixed-term contract.

Contact: Interested applicants may want to send the following documents (preferably in a single pdf) to stefano.orlandini@unimore.it, by 12 November 2022.

  • A brief CV and contact details of 2–3 references
  • A brief letter of motivation/interest in the project
  • Grades from master and bachelor studies

Application: The call for the formal application (deadline: 17 November 2022, 13:00 CET) is provided as attachment.


1 PhD Position at University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
Advisor: Prof. Stefano Orlandini
Co-advisor: Prof. Giovanni Moretti

Title: High-performance computing of 2D surface flow propagation in complex drainage systems by using new mesh-independent numerical methods

Our mission: The Hydrologic Research Lab (www.idrologia.unimore.it) led by Prof. Stefano Orlandini at UNIMORE (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy) is committed to discovery science and solution science in the areas of flood risk management and sustainable use of water resources. The UNIMORE Hydrologic Research Lab Is currently looking for a PhD student to investigate surface flow propagation by developing new mesh-independent numerical methods. New methods will be used to understand and predict surface flow at all the spatial scales and surface flow propagation in natural and man-altered drainage systems. Physically meaningful unstructured terrain partition increases both accuracy and computational efficiency of existing models by making it possible the investigation of surface flow processes at spatial and temporal scales that remain poorly explored. There is, however, a need for mesh-independent numerical methods that can describe surface flow propagation over wide range mesh cell sizes. The proposed research project will focus on the development and validation of these numerical methods over mountain and lowland terrains, over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. As a PhD student you will have the opportunity to further current understanding in this field through a combination of data analysis, fieldwork, and modeling. Specifically, high-resolution (1 m or less) topographic data, FORTRAN programming, and high-performance computing will be used in the proposed PhD project.

Main duties and responsibilities include:

  • Perform original research in the area of hydrology/geomorphology.
  • To lead and contribute to publications for high-impact journals.
  • Contribute to broad Lab activities (including co-supervision of MSc students).

Your profile:

  • A MSc in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Physics, Math.
  • Strong interest in catchment hydrology and/or geomorphology.
  • Experience with mathematical/numerical modeling and analysis of large datasets.
  • Creative, enthusiastic, and willing to learn.
  • Self-motivated and have a sense for scientific novelty.
  • Written and oral communication skills in English.
  • Experience with scientific writing is valued.

We offer:

  • A stimulating working environment at the UNIMORE Department of Engineering Enzo Ferrari.
  • Competitive salary and excellent educational conditions.
  • Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research in a dynamic scientific institution.
  • Opportunity to undertake a 6-month visit in some non-Italian university or research center.

Application deadline: 17 November 2022, 13:00 CET.

Start date: 1 January 2023.

Work rate: 100%

Duration: 3-year fixed-term contract.

Contact: Interested applicants may want to send the following documents (preferably in a single pdf) to stefano.orlandini@unimore.it, by 12 November 2022.

  • A brief CV and contact details of 2–3 references
  • A brief letter of motivation/interest in the project
  • Grades from master and bachelor studies
Application: The call for the formal application (deadline: 17 November 2022, 13:00 CET) is provided as attachment.

Of interest for:
  • Terrestrial Working Group
  • Hydrology Focus Research Group