MonTSE. Facing geohazards on a Multi-risk analysis framework: towards a digital Twin for SafEty

PhD in Assessing current and future impacts of hydro-geomorphological and geological hazards on linear infrastructures in Catalonia: A multi-scale approach

Information for application

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research group at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). The research will focus on

The PhD is embedded in two research projected: the national research MONTSE project that assesses the impacts of torrential flows and rockfalls at the Montserrat massif and a large European project called NESCRAD  (starting date: 1 March 2027) that focus on the impacts of floods and landslides at regional scale in the Barcelona province.

The main research tasks include (the final PhD project can be adapted):

  • Collecting, processing and harmonizing geospatial and environmental datasets using GIS-techniques and scientific programming
  • Geospatial data analysis by machine learning tools
  • Hazard modeling using existing physically-based codes
  • Analysis of GCMs data and downscaled projections for define future extreme weather events
  • Multi-sectoral impact assessment of present and future conditions
  • Communicating scientific findings through peer-reviewed publications, presentations and project deliverables.

Skills needed:

  • Excellent MSc degree with a background in civil, geomatics or environmental engineering, earth sciences, or similar, preferably in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), with a grade point average for undergraduate and master's degree transcripts of 7.5 or higher (on a scale of 10).
  • Advanced experience with GIS, scientific programming and data analysis (e.g. Python, R, or similar)
  • Highly motivated for research work and quick to acquire new knowledge/methods
  • Ability to work independently, but also in a multi-disciplinary team
  • Very good English knowledge (written and spoken)
  • You must fulfill the requirements for admission to the UPC's doctoral program  (https://doctorat.upc.edu/en/future-doctoral-candidates/access-and-admission/general-entrance-requirements )

Selection criteria

  • During a first phase, the suitability of the academic, scientific and technical career of the candidate for the research activities to be carried out in the project will be evaluated.
  • In a second phase, the candidates will be invited to a brief interview to discuss their research interests, previous experience, technical skills, and motivation for pursuing a PhD
  • EU citizenship or EU work permit (we can only accept EU applicants or EU work permit holders due to administrative constraints).

We offer:

  • Ideal and fruitful working environment in a multidisciplinary research group
  • A PhD-student contract applying the UPC BarcelonaTECH remuneration standards (yearly renewable with a maximum of 4 years)

PhD supervisors:

  • The research will be conducted under the supervision of the NESCRAD and MonTSE projects coordinators, Marcel Hürlimann, Nieves Lantada and Amparo Núñez-Andrés, in close collaboration with the multidisciplinary teams involved in both projects.

Documentation to be delivered and deadline:

  • CV ( necessary using  this template) and a brief motivation letter describing the reasons for applying.

  • Application must be delivered by the following GForms link: GForms 

  • Contact details for one or two academic or professional referees.

Non-Spanish candidates must have a declaration of equivalence of the grade point average for undergraduate and master's degree studies, certified by the Spanish Ministry of Universities  (link).

📅 Deadline: 8 December  2026