PhD Position in Geosciences

Utrecht University

Institution: Utrecht University – Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development
Faculty: Faculty of Geosciences
Department: Department of Sustainable Development
Hours per week: 36–40
Application deadline: 19 December 2025

Project Description

  • The PhD is part of the EMBRACER project, focusing on climate feedbacks, tipping points, and uncertainties in integrated assessment models (IAMs).

  • The candidate will improve the representation of critical feedbacks and tipping points in the MIMOSA model, linking climate dynamics with socio-economic processes.

  • Tasks include:

    • Developing an inventory of critical climate feedbacks.

    • Translating feedbacks into model representations.

    • Conducting uncertainty analyses to evaluate impacts on climate pathways.

    • Expanding MIMOSA with a simplified energy system module.

    • Exploring linkages with the IMAGE model.

  • The work is embedded in an interdisciplinary team within the EMBRACER programme, collaborating with experts in climate science, systems modelling, and policy analysis.

Candidate Profile / Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in physics, environmental sciences, mathematics, systems science, computational science, or related fields.

  • Strong skills in scientific programming and quantitative analysis, preferably in Python.

  • Affinity with climate science and/or policy modelling.

  • Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

  • Independent, eager to learn, and able to work in an interdisciplinary team.

Employment Terms

  • Initial appointment: 1 year, extendable up to 4 years with successful first-year assessment.

  • Goal: Completion of PhD within the employment period.

  • Working week: 38 hours

  • Salary: €3,059–€3,881 gross per month (scale P, CAO NU)

  • Benefits: 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible employment terms.

  • Professional development opportunities, sports/cultural activities, and tailored employment conditions via Utrecht University’s Terms of Employment Options Model.

Application Instructions

Submit:

  1. Motivation letter

  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  3. Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least 2 referees

Application deadline: 19 December 2025
Contact for scientific questions:

Application procedure questions: Sophie Ketting – s.j.ketting@uu.nl

Application portal: via Utrecht University recruitment system

Apply