PhD Position in Geography

Utrecht University

Faculty: Faculty of Geosciences
Department: Department of Physical Geography
Hours per week: 36–40
Application deadline: 19 December 2025

About the Position

Join the Department of Physical Geography at Utrecht University as a PhD candidate in the subproject “Feedbacks and Agency in Future Water Use”, part of the EMBRACER project.

Rising population and economic growth are driving increased water withdrawals from rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Combined with climate change, this leads to water scarcity, groundwater depletion, and ecosystem deterioration. While current hydrological and water resources models project future water use based on integrated assessment models, they often fail to consider societal adaptation strategies to water scarcity.

This PhD project aims to incorporate adaptation agency—such as behavioral and technological changes—into a new generation of global water use models. Examples include farmers adopting new irrigation systems or crops, industries changing production processes, or households using desalinated or treated wastewater. The goal is to integrate these adaptive responses into models like PCR-GLOBWB and IMAGE3, combining hydrology, hydroeconomics, and governance perspectives.

A personalized training program will be developed based on your learning needs and career objectives. About 20% of your time will be dedicated to training and teaching support within the department’s BSc and MSc programs.

Your Qualifications

  • MSc degree in Hydrology, Water Resources Management, Environmental Sciences, Agronomy, Hydroeconomics, or a related field (by start date)

  • Interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of hydrology, environmental sciences, and hydroeconomics

  • Strong quantitative and methodological skills, including spatial data analysis, hydrological modelling, or AI-/agent-based modelling

  • Experience with Python or R

  • Ability to collaborate effectively within a diverse, multidisciplinary team

  • Excellent communication and social skills

  • Proficiency in English (spoken and written)

Utrecht University encourages applicants from all backgrounds to contribute to an inclusive academic community.

What We Offer

  • Duration: 1 year initially, extended to 4 years upon satisfactory performance

  • Gross monthly salary: €3,059 – €3,881 (scale P, CAO NU)

  • Benefits:

    • 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus

    • Pension scheme and partially paid parental leave

    • Flexible working arrangements

    • Professional development and training opportunities

    • Access to sports and cultural activities on campus

For more information on employment conditions, visit: Working at Utrecht University

About the Faculty

The Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University explores the Earth—from its core to its surface, including human use of natural resources—with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. The Department of Physical Geography studies processes and patterns from mountains to seas to inform sustainable resource management. The department hosts a vibrant early-career community and world-class facilities, including the Geolab, Earth Simulation Lab, and High-Performance Computing resources.

The EMBRACER research programme, funded by NWO, brings together world-leading climate experts to investigate climate feedbacks across oceans, land, ice, and atmosphere.

More Information

  • Informal inquiries:
    Prof. Marc Bierkens – m.f.p.bierkens@uu.nl

  • Visa and relocation:
    International candidates requiring a visa/work permit should allow at least four months for processing. The International Service Desk can assist with relocation logistics.

Application Procedure

To apply, submit the following documents via the “Apply now” button on the Utrecht University website:

  1. Curriculum Vitae (including relevant coursework)

  2. Academic credentials (mark sheets and degree certificates)

  3. Motivation letter

If you hold a non-Dutch Master’s degree, include both your Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and grade lists (in English).
No reference letters are required at this stage. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for referees.

Application deadline: 19 December 2025

Commitment to Diversity

Utrecht University strives to be a home for everyone, valuing staff from diverse cultural, religious, and professional backgrounds. We foster an inclusive and safe environment where all individuals can thrive and contribute to shared scientific and societal goals.

Apply