PhD Position in Geography
Utrecht University
Netherlands
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
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Research Focus:
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Study how sediment availability affects debris-flow frequency and magnitude in Alpine catchments (France, Switzerland, Italy).
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Combine UAV-based field surveys, temperature logger data, and probabilistic modelling (SedCas).
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Incorporate downscaled climate scenarios to predict future debris-flow hazards.
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Responsibilities:
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Conduct seasonal UAV surveys in mountain catchments.
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Map rock fractures manually and via automated ML/CNN approaches.
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Analyze physical weathering and sediment dynamics.
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Numerical modelling of debris-flow sediment dynamics.
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Contribute to teaching Earth Sciences courses (~20% of contract).
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Candidate Profile
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MSc in Earth sciences, hydrology, civil engineering, environmental science, or related field.
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Interest in geomorphology, natural hazards, and mountain fieldwork.
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Skills in coding (Python, Matlab, R) and numerical modelling.
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Willingness to conduct fieldwork and obtain UAV license.
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Collaborative mindset; driving license required.
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English proficiency required; Dutch encouraged; German/French helpful.
Benefits
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Full-time 1.0 FTE contract with extension to 4 years (PhD completion).
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36–40 hours/week, CAO NU salary scale P.
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8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, parental leave, flexible terms.
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Professional development, sports/cultural activities, work-life balance support.
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Fieldwork in stunning Alpine environments with international collaborators.
Application Instructions
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Submit CV and motivation letter via the Utrecht University application portal.
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No references or recommendation letters required initially; will be requested if shortlisted.
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For international candidates: provide BSc/MSc diplomas and grade lists in English.
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Deadline: 16 February 2026
In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com
