PhD Position in Geography

Utrecht University

Institution: Utrecht University
Faculty: Faculty of Geosciences
Department: Physical Geography
Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Contract: 1.0 FTE for 1 year, extendable to 4 years (PhD trajectory)
Application deadline: 16 February 2026
Contact: Dr. Daniel Draebing – d.draebing@uu.nl | Dr. Tjalling de Haas – t.dehaas@uu.nl
Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 gross per month (full-time, CAO NU P scale) + 8% holiday pay + 8.3% year-end bonus

Role Overview

  • Research Focus:

    • Study how sediment availability affects debris-flow frequency and magnitude in Alpine catchments (France, Switzerland, Italy).

    • Combine UAV-based field surveys, temperature logger data, and probabilistic modelling (SedCas).

    • Incorporate downscaled climate scenarios to predict future debris-flow hazards.

  • Responsibilities:

    • Conduct seasonal UAV surveys in mountain catchments.

    • Map rock fractures manually and via automated ML/CNN approaches.

    • Analyze physical weathering and sediment dynamics.

    • Numerical modelling of debris-flow sediment dynamics.

    • Contribute to teaching Earth Sciences courses (~20% of contract).

Candidate Profile

  • MSc in Earth sciences, hydrology, civil engineering, environmental science, or related field.

  • Interest in geomorphology, natural hazards, and mountain fieldwork.

  • Skills in coding (Python, Matlab, R) and numerical modelling.

  • Willingness to conduct fieldwork and obtain UAV license.

  • Collaborative mindset; driving license required.

  • English proficiency required; Dutch encouraged; German/French helpful.

Benefits

  • Full-time 1.0 FTE contract with extension to 4 years (PhD completion).

  • 36–40 hours/week, CAO NU salary scale P.

  • 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, parental leave, flexible terms.

  • Professional development, sports/cultural activities, work-life balance support.

  • Fieldwork in stunning Alpine environments with international collaborators.

Application Instructions

  • Submit CV and motivation letter via the Utrecht University application portal.

  • No references or recommendation letters required initially; will be requested if shortlisted.

  • For international candidates: provide BSc/MSc diplomas and grade lists in English.

  • Deadline: 16 February 2026

Apply