Deadline:
October 15, 2026
Location(s)
Sweden
Köpmangatan 40B, Luleå
Overview
Details
About Ramboll
At Ramboll, our strategy is to be “The Partner for Sustainable Change.” We are looking for students who want to be part of this journey and contribute to a more sustainable future through their master’s thesis work.
We offer you the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in a dynamic, inspiring, and supportive environment. During your thesis, you will gain insight into real-world challenges and work in close collaboration with experienced and engaged colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines.
You will become part of a collaborative culture where innovation, technology, and sustainable societies are at the core of what we do. We believe that by learning from one another, we can create valuable development opportunities for you as a student while contributing together to a more sustainable society.
Project Overview
Major urban construction in Sweden takes place in complex geological environments featuring loose soils resting on hard crystalline bedrock. Construction activities and tunnel excavations can create direct physical pathways for mobile contaminants like PFAS to enter groundwater systems.
Traditional groundwater modelling often relies on simplified assumptions at the boundary where soil meets bedrock, failing to capture how water and pollutants move through natural fractures and complex rock topographies.
This master thesis bridges practical engineering at Ramboll Sverige AB with academic research. You will work with real hydrogeological field data from active Swedish infrastructure projects to build automated 3D groundwater models that accurately predict contaminant transport and help protect urban groundwater.
Objectives
The main goal of this project is to model how groundwater and PFAS move across the boundary where soil meets rock. Using Python (FloPy) and MODFLOW-6, you will simulate flow across both horizontal and vertical soil-rock interfaces to see whether contamination spreads sideways or drains deeper down. Finally, you will use these model results to help engineers choose real site solutions, such as grouting or containment barriers on active construction sites.
Your tasks
- Compile and analyse hydrogeological field data (core logs, pumping tests, water loss data, and SGU bedrock maps) from active infrastructure sites.
- Use Python and FloPy to set up 3D groundwater flow and contaminant transport models in MODFLOW-6 / MT3D.
- Simulate PFAS movement across horizontal and vertical soil–bedrock boundaries under different geological scenarios.
- Perform sensitivity analysis to evaluate how fracture distribution and soil depth affect contaminant spread.
- Testing model outputs against real field monitoring data.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for motivated master’s students interested in Rock Engineering, Hydrogeology, Environmental Engineering or Water resources management.
- A background in civil engineering, environmental engineering, hydraulic engineering, or earth science is helpful.
- Basic experience or interest in Python, groundwater modelling (MODFLOW), or GIS is a plus, but enthusiasm for learning and solving real-world environmental problems is most important.
Dates
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
Develop with us
When you join Ramboll for your master’s thesis, we will do our best to support both your academic and professional development. To thrive in this opportunity, we believe that:
- You are currently pursuing a master degree in Civil engineering, Environmental engineering, Geotechnical engineering, or a related field
- You have an interest in modelling and are motivated to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges
- You are able to communicate effectively in English, both written and spoken
- You are curious about exploring innovative and sustainable technical solutions
- You enjoy collaborating with others while also being comfortable working independently
- You are eager to learn from experienced colleagues and contribute with your own ideas and perspectives
The project is designed for 1–2 students and has a duration of six months (30 ECTS). There is also a possibility of extending the project for up to 12 months through an internship, allowing students to continue working on the same project.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
