GRADUATE RESEARCHER NEEDED FOR THE TÜBİTAK FUNDED PROJECT

Modelling Rainwater Harvesting Potential in Diverse Urban Fabrics: A Socio-Technical Approach

INVESTIGATORS: Assoc. Prof. Ender Peker (METU), Assist. Prof. İrem Daloğlu Çetinkaya (BU), Dr. Akgün İlhan (METU), Prof Dr. Cevza Melek Kazezyılmaz Alhan (İ.Ü. - Cerrahpaşa)

BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This project explores rainwater harvesting as a climate responsive urban water management strategy in Türkiye, focusing on Kadıköy, Istanbul. It develops a hydro-spatial model using the SWMM (Storm Water Management Model) to assess rainwater harvesting performance across different urban fabrics. The project adopts a socio-technical and participatory approach, engaging stakeholders in scenario design and policy integration. The goal is to inform zoning regulations, reduce urban flood risks, and promote sustainable water use under future climate conditions.

The project offers invaluable experience for the young researchers and will contribute immensely to their future careers in academia and industry.

Currently we are looking for a GRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENT focusing on:

The graduate student will be responsible for developing and implementing the SWMM (Storm Water Management Model) to simulate rainwater runoff and harvesting potential in Kadıköy, Istanbul. The model will be informed by insights gathered during participatory workshops with stakeholders. The student will also be responsible for documenting the modeling process, analyzing results, and contributing to project reports and publications.

• An undergrad degree preferably but not limited to civil engineering, environmental engineering, urban
• planning, hydrology or a related field
• Experience with hydrological or hydraulic modeling tools, preferably SWMM
• Strong GIS skills and familiarity with spatial data (land use, topography, infrastructure)
• Knowledge of urban water systems, rainwater harvesting, or stormwater management
• Ability to work with climate data and integrate future projections into simulations
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Willingness to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary, participatory research environment
• Proficiency in English; Turkish language skills are a plus but not required

Minimum academic and language requirements:

• ALES score: minimum 75
• Undergraduate GPA: minimum 2.25 (out of 4.00)
• One of the following English proficiency scores (valid for 2 years from the exam date):
• TOEFL® (IBT): overall 79, with a minimum 22 in Writing (TOEFL Home Edition not accepted)
• IELTS Academic: overall 6.5, with a minimum 6.5 in Academic Writing (IELTS Online not accepted)
• BUEPT (Boğaziçi University English Proficiency Test): minimum grade C

Eligibility:

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Be in the final year of their undergraduate studies (expected graduation by Summer 2025) and planning to pursue a Master’s degree at Boğaziçi University,

2. Have already completed an undergraduate degree and intend to pursue a Master’s degree at Boğaziçi University, or

3. Be currently enrolled in a Master’s program at Boğaziçi University, Istanbul University - Cerrahpaşa, or Middle East Technical University.

The position is offered for 24 months.

Applications (most recent CV with references and transcripts) will be received by irem.daloglu@bogazici.edu.tr with a subject line “TÜBİTAK - RWH” and evaluated by the research team on a rolling basis. The deadline for application is June 5th, 2025 - midnight.

The scholarship for the graduate researcher position will be provided under the TÜBİTAK 1001 program and is aligned with the official monthly stipend rates set by TÜBİTAK for graduate students.