Faculty: Faculty of Geosciences
Department: Department of Sustainable Development
Employment: 36–40 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
Application deadline: 31 August 2026

Overview

This PhD project addresses the urgent challenge of developing and adapting climate-resilient coastal zones through Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

As sea levels continue to rise and coastal regions experience land subsidence, conventional flood protection measures alone are no longer sufficient. This project focuses on understanding how sediment-based Nature-based Solutions, such as sedimentation-enhancing strategies, can be effectively implemented to improve long-term coastal resilience.

Your Job

Successful implementation of sediment-based Nature-based Solutions requires addressing several practical challenges, including:

• The physical ability of NbS to create and maintain new land and ecosystems.
• The suitability of newly created land for different uses.
• Integration of NbS with existing grey infrastructure.
• Practical implementation with stakeholders, including identifying successes and barriers.

You will investigate four major challenges associated with Nature-based Solutions:

1. Delivery of sediment and spatial patterns of sedimentation.
2. Quality of deposited sediment and its suitability for different land uses.
3. Integration with existing infrastructure.
4. Social acceptance of Nature-based Solutions.

The project focuses on Nature-based Solutions such as:

• Salt marshes
• Tidal mudflats
• Retention basins

These systems can:

• Create new land.
• Reduce flood risk.
• Store water.
• Provide ecological and societal benefits.

Examples include:

• Rammegors Wetland
• Perkpolder
• Wisselpolders

Research Focus

Your research will examine how extreme events influence coastal landscape development.

Specific topics include:

• The contribution of storm-delivered sediment to annual land formation.
• Whether storm surge barriers enhance or reduce natural sediment delivery.
• The environmental quality of deposited sediments.
• Accumulation of:
  • Microplastics
  • Macroplastics
  • Heavy metals
• Suitability of sediment for:
  • Habitat development
  • Agricultural use

The project will also investigate interactions between Nature-based Solutions and existing infrastructure, including questions such as:

• Can NbS reduce pressure on storm surge barriers?
• Can NbS and grey infrastructure function synergistically?
• What hydrodynamic and morphodynamic trade-offs exist?

Following the assessment of physical conditions, you will evaluate the social feasibility of implementing Nature-based Solutions by collaborating with:

• Delta Climate Center
• Local stakeholders
• Other project partners

Research methods include:

• Fieldwork
• Laboratory analyses
• Analysis of sampled data
• Experiments using the Metronome, Utrecht University's internationally recognised tilting tidal flume
• Stakeholder workshops

The project also aims to establish a citizen science initiative in collaboration with Hogeschool Zeeland to monitor storm-driven sediment delivery.

The project has close connections with:

• Delta-Enigma
• Delta Climate Center
• Ongoing research on storm surge barrier feasibility

Your Responsibilities

You will:

• Conduct fieldwork, laboratory analyses and experiments to investigate sediment dynamics and the effectiveness of Nature-based Solutions.
• Develop models and GIS maps to assess the suitability and impacts of Nature-based Solutions in coastal environments.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand social acceptance and long-term implementation feasibility.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences.
• Contribute approximately 10% of your time to teaching activities.

Your Profile

Background

Applicants should have an interest in:

• Coastal geomorphology
• Sediment-water-nature processes

A relevant Master's degree in one of the following fields is required:

• Coastal Geomorphology
• Environmental Engineering
• Sedimentology
• Hydrology
• Earth Sciences
• Environmental Science
• Civil Engineering
• Physical Geography
• Environmental Governance

Required Skills

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience planning and conducting fieldwork.
• Experience with:Experience using GIS for mapping.
  • Field sampling
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Laboratory work
  • Experimental research
• Basic data analysis skills using:Strong communication skills.
  • R
  • Python
  • Microsoft Excel
• Ability to engage effectively with policymakers, stakeholders and other societal groups.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Excellent written and spoken English (minimum C1 level).

Desirable Skills

The following are considered advantageous:

• Interest in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research.
• Interest in integrating natural and social science approaches.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement.
• Interest in citizen science.

What We Offer

The position includes:

• A 1.0 FTE PhD appointment for one year.
• Extension to a total of four years, subject to a successful first-year assessment, with the intention of completing a doctoral degree.

Salary

Based on full-time employment:

• €3,059 – €3,881 gross per month

Salary is according to Scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).

Additional benefits include:

• 8% holiday allowance.
• 8.3% year-end bonus.
• Pension scheme.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Flexible employment conditions under the CAO NU.

Utrecht University also offers additional employment benefits, including:

• Professional development opportunities.
• Various leave arrangements.
• Sports and cultural facilities.
• Flexible employment conditions through the Terms of Employment Options Model.

About Utrecht University

Utrecht University is committed to creating a better future for everyone through high-quality research and education.

Its strategic research themes include:

• Dynamics of Youth
• Institutions for Open Societies
• Life Sciences
• Pathways to Sustainability

Faculty of Geosciences

The Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth from its core to its surface, including the interaction between humans and the Earth's natural systems, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation.

The faculty includes approximately:

• 3,400 Bachelor's and Master's students.
• 720 staff members.

The Faculty consists of four departments:

• Earth Sciences
• Human Geography & Spatial Planning
• Physical Geography
• Sustainable Development

Additional Information

For more information about this position, please contact:

Jana Cox
Email: j.r.cox@uu.nl

Application Procedure

Applicants should submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Letter of motivation.
• Copy of Master's thesis (if completed).

Applications must be submitted via the "Apply Now" button.

Knowledge security screening may be part of the selection procedure.

Interview Schedule

The first round of interviews will take place on:

• 10 September 2026
• 11 September 2026

Hybrid and fully online interviews are available.

Diversity and Inclusion

Utrecht University is committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of:

• Cultural background
• Religion
• Ethnicity
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Disability
• Age

The university values diversity and equal opportunities for all applicants.

Application Deadline

31 August 2026