PhD Position in Geography

Coastal dunes are crucial for society but face growing pressure from sea level rise, storms and human disturbance. Coastal dune evolution is determined by interactions of vegetation, wind and sand. However, the way these short-term interactions determine the long-term evolution of coastal dunes remains unclear. In this four-year PhD project, you will enhance process understanding of coastal dune development and increase the applicability of coastal dune models.

Your job

In this project, you will investigate dune erosion and growth by performing morphological analysis on existing coastal dune datasets along the Dutch coast. Using remote sensing, you will create a national dune vegetation dataset and compare it with dune morphology data to assess the role of vegetation in decadal dune development. You will also apply a coastal dune model (AeoLiS) to dunes in the Netherlands and evaluate how well it replicates historical changes. You will share your results in stakeholder meetings, scientific conferences, and academic journals. Your project will lead to better predictions of future coastal dune development and enhance the design and implementation of nature-based solutions.

To support academic and personal development, you will follow courses and assist in teaching Earth Sciences at Bachelor's and Master's level. Together, these activities amount to twenty percent of the contracted time.

Your qualities

You have a theoretical background in (bio)geomorphological interactions, a curiosity for coastal dune development and nature-based solutions, and a willingness to explore these topics in greater depth. You organise your work efficiently, take initiative, and are able to work independently when needed. You’re open to feedback and eager to learn from it, and you enjoy collaborating within an interdisciplinary, internationally oriented team. Additionally:

• By the time the position starts, you have obtained an MSc degree in Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science or a related field.
• You are comfortable applying analytical thinking to explore research questions and have programming experience (preferably in Python).
• You have an affinity with coastal numerical modelling, e.g. AeoLiS, XBeach or Delft3D. Affinity with fieldwork and/or remote sensing is a plus.
• You communicate clearly and have a strong command of the English language. Fluency in Dutch or willingness to learn Dutch is a plus.

Our offer

• A position for 1 year, with an extension to a total of 4 years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a working week of 36-40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The team of the Department of Physical Geography excels in research and education on BSc, MSc and PhD level. We research processes, patterns and dynamics of Earth’s systems from the mountains to the sea, and the interaction in between. This knowledge is essential for the sustainable management of our planet and to guarantee the availability of resources for the next generations. We have access to world-class laboratories like Geolab and Earth Simulation Lab, and to excellent high-performance computing facilities. We are a lively department that hosts an active early career community (PhD candidates, researchers and lecturers). We organise a warm welcome for every new member.

The department and its facilities are located at Utrecht Science Park. Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands with a population of nearly 360,000 and forms a hub in the middle of the country. Its historical city centre and its modern central station can easily be reached from the Science Park by public transport or by a 15-minute bicycle ride. Utrecht boasts beautiful canals with extraordinary wharf cellars housing cafés and terraces by the water, as well as a broad variety of shops and boutiques.

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr Christa van IJzendoorn at c.o.vanijzendoorn@uu.nl.

Note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. This will be arranged with help of the International Service Desk (ISD) of our university. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send the following documents via the 'apply now' button:

• your curriculum vitae, including any courses taken that are relevant for the position;
• your motivation letter (max 1 page);
• academic credentials (grade lists and degree statements).

No reference letters need to be submitted in your initial application. If you are short-listed, we will contact you for referees.

If you have an international (not-Dutch) Master's diploma, you will be requested to send your Bachelor's and Master's grade lists (in English).

The first interview is online via MS Teams in the week of 22 September. If applicable, the second interview is in the week of 29 September. The start date is flexible but preferably around 1 December 2025.

The application deadline is 8 September 2025.