PhD Position in Geosciences

Utrecht University

Netherlands

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.