Thesis Work - Site-Specific Tube Fishway for Juvenile Eel Migration

Are you a student looking to apply your knowledge to real-world solutions that support the energy transition? With us, you will have the opportunity to complete your thesis project close to the business, working alongside experienced specialists and tackling challenges where your ideas and perspectives can make a real difference. 

As part of Sweden’s ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of hydropower and improve river connectivity, Vattenfall is developing and investigating measures to restore river connectivity for migratory fish species, including the critically endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla). During their upstream migration, juvenile eels (elvers) frequently encounter barriers such as dams and hydropower plants. Trap-and-transport methods can help them bypass these obstacles by capturing elvers downstream and relocating them to suitable upstream habitats, but the approach is labour-intensive and can cause stress due to repeated handling.

To address this challenge, Vattenfall R&D has investigated adapting the tube fishway concept to automatically transfer elvers from a collection chamber through a closed conduit system into a transport tank. Previous laboratory studies demonstrated the technical feasibility of the concept. The next step is to develop a site-adapted solution for one of Vattenfall's hydropower stations that reduces manual handling and integrates the system with an existing floating elver collector through the development of a suitable transfer chamber, attachment system, and pipe configuration. The resulting design will provide the basis for future field implementation and testing.

As part of the thesis, you will:

• Support the scanning and assessment of the installation area and the existing floating elver collector.
• Design a site-specific transfer chamber, attachment system, and pipe routing solution.
• Adapt the existing laboratory-scale tube fishway into a site-representative configuration.
• Develop and implement valve control strategies for automated operation.
• Conduct hydraulic and operational testing of the system.
• Evaluate the design and provide recommendations for future field deployment and improvements.

We are looking for a student who are about to complete their academic studies and are eager to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting through a thesis project at Vattenfall. You are someone who shares our values and identifies with our principles: Active, Open, Positive and Safety. 

• MSc student in Environmental, Hydraulic, Civil, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of hydraulics and fluid mechanics.
• Interest in design, automation, and practical engineering solutions.
• Enjoys hands-on experimental work and solving environmental challenges.
• Fluent in English.
• Thesis scope: 30 ECTS (approximately 6 months).
• Intended for one student.
• Please consult your programme advisor regarding eligibility before applying.

• Start date: February 2027 or by agreement.
• Location: Älvkarleby, Sweden; a hybrid solution can be discussed
• Application – one file containing your CV and a copy of your transcripts.
• Application deadline: 2026-10-18.

Contact person and supervisor at Vattenfall: Stephanie Mueller (+46 702135112, stephanie.mueller@vattenfall.com) and Gustav Lundqvist (Gustav.Lundqvist@vattenfall.com, +46 725004425)

Diversity and Inclusion – In Everything We Do 

At Vattenfall, we value being Active, Positive, Open, and Safety-conscious. We are looking for employees who share our vision and can contribute to strengthening our company culture. We believe that diversity helps build a more successful and attractive company, and we strive to be role models in diversity and inclusion. Vattenfall actively works to ensure that all employees have equal opportunities and rights, regardless of age, ethnic or cultural background, gender identity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or disability. Read more about how we work with diversity and inclusion here. 

Vattenfall is part of Sweden’s critical infrastructure, and many of our positions are therefore classified from a security perspective. If this position is security-classified, a security screening will be conducted prior to employment in accordance with the Swedish Security Protection Act. 

Vattenfall is a leading European energy company serving approximately 12 million customers and employing around 21,000 people. We believe there is a way to build a future where everyone can choose fossil-free ways to move, make, and live.