INT-26015 INTERNSHIP - CHARACTERISING RIVER WATER HEAT WAVES IN LUXEMBOURG

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects;
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society;
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations such as our Viswall, high-scale incubators and top of the range 3D/4D printings that are part of our toolkit for excelling in all we do;
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 45 nationalities represented in our workforce;
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions;
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science;
• 32 days’ paid annual leave for a full time internship, 11 public holidays per annum, flexible working hours,
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas.

Internship contract (compulsory) – 6 months | Fulltime/40h | From 01.02.2026 to 30.06.2026 | Belvaux

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

How will you contribute?

Air temperatures and the frequency and intensity of heat waves have increased across Central Europe as a consequence of ongoing climate change. These atmospheric changes directly affect river systems by altering river water temperatures, leading to more frequent and prolonged riverine heat waves. Elevated water temperatures can disrupt aquatic ecosystems by reducing dissolved oxygen levels, increasing thermal stress on organisms, shifting species distributions, favouring invasive species, and impairing key ecological processes such as reproduction and nutrient cycling. Such changes pose significant risks to freshwater biodiversity and river ecosystem functioning.

The intern will investigate whether there has been an increase in the number of riverine heat waves and/or their intensity, duration and frequency in Luxembourg, as well as how these vary across catchments of different sizes and physiographical characteristics (e.g. land use and geology). The relationship between riverine and air heat waves will also be investigated.

Under guidance and supervision, the intern will carry out the following tasks:

• Compile a comprehensive dataset of air and water temperature dating back to the ‘50.
• Apply algorithms to fill data gaps if needed.
• Analyse the dataset statistically.

Expected deliverables:

• A final report summarising the methods used and the results obtained.

An internal presentation of the results at the end of the internship.

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Experience and skills

• Master's degree in progress (mandatory) in Hydrology, Water Resources, Hydraulic Engineering, Freshwater Ecology or related fields.
• Solid understanding of statistical concepts and methods.
• Programming skills (e.g. R, MATLAB, Phyton) are an asset.

Language skills

• Good command of English