The Department of Earth Sciences is looking for an enthusiastic and communicative postdoctoral scientist with a strong background in data science who leverages scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and understanding from structured and unstructured data. You will work on the NWO-funded (Dutch Research Council) project ‘Developing a data-constrained forecasting model of surface deformation in the Groningen gas field region’.
Surface subsidence is a significant problem above the gas reservoir in the Netherlands province of Groningen, affecting the environment, buildings, infrastructure, and water management. Compaction of the reservoir continues to drive subsidence, but there also are other, shallower, earth processes that have a significant footprint on the subsidence. Groningen is near mean sea level, so it is highly relevant to answer questions like “how long will subsidence continue?”, “how much more subsidence will occur?”, and “how can we best manage future subsidence?”. The DeepNL programme of NWO fully funds our proposal to develop physics models aimed at quantifying the physical processes that drive subsidence. Model parameters and states will be sampled using data assimilation of InSAR, GNSS, and geodetic levelling time series. Additional ground truth observations come from extensometer time series. The models are intended to be used for forecasting the consequences of reservoir compaction, waterboard management decisions, land use, and climate change.
What will you do?
Our collaborative research project also involves 2 PhD’s who have already started. One PhD develops physical compaction models and estimates mechanical properties from downhole time series. The other PhD explores methods to derive deformation time series from InSAR observations. The postdoc will have a bridging role between these PhD projects by sampling the parameters and states of the physical models using data assimilation of InSAR, GNSS, and geodetic levelling time series.
Who are we?
The project involves close collaboration between researchers at Utrecht University (UU) and Delft University of Technology (DUT). Our team consists of leading disciplinary experts. Ramon Hanssen (DUT) focusses on fundamental and applied problems in geodesy and satellite earth observation. The project fits closely with his core interest of interpreting and improving InSAR reflections. Esther Stouthamer (UU) is an expert on Quaternary geology, delta evolution, subsurface architecture and characterization, subsidence, fluvial and coastal geomorphology. She focuses on quantifying the contribution of individual drivers of subsidence. Femke Vossepoel (DUT) is a data assimilation expert. Her career path lead her from climate science to physical oceanography, to solid-earth applications, with data assimilation as the common theme. Rob Govers (UU) is a geophysicist who develops physics models and seeks confrontation of numerical solutions with geophysical, geodetic, and/or geological observations. Your base will be with Rob Govers at UU.
The successful candidate combines mathematics, statistics, computer science, and domain-specific knowledge for Bayesian regression of large InSAR datasets. A background in physical sciences is expected, e.g., geodesy or seismology. We are not looking for ML/AI experts. For those interested in applying their data science and analytics skills to unique datasets for a societally relevant problem while also extending their academic credentials we offer a postdoc role in our interdisciplinary team. The postdoc role is designed to provide rich opportunities for collaboration and to produce results that can be shared through high-impact research publications. Candidates with 0-4 years of experience post-PhD are particularly well-suited for the position.
You should have a PhD degree in a relevant discipline at the time of the start of the contract. You should be able to work independently on complex computational problems while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary research team. Proficiency in spoken and written English for academic purposes is a necessity. The possible starting date may be taken into account in the selection procedure.
We strongly encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and career paths who are enthusiastic about working at the interface of computation, experimentation, and Earth sciences. If you are passionate about this research but uncertain whether your background fits perfectly, we encourage you to apply.
We offer:
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a postdoctoral position (1.0 FTE) for max. 36 months.
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a full-time gross salary between € 4,075 and € 4,728 in scale 10.3 – 10.7 of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (CAO);
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8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
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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 also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
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 Department of Earth Sciences conducts teaching and research across the full range of the solid Earth and environmental Earth sciences, with activities in almost all areas of geology, geochemistry, geophysics, biogeology and hydrogeology. Our key research themes are Earth & Planetary Processes, Sustainable Use of the Subsurface, Planetary Health & Environment, and Climate & Life. The department hosts a highly international tenured staff. Besides the Paleomagnetic Laboratory, we house or have access to a wide variety of world-class laboratories, among which are UU’s Electron Microscopy Centre, the Geolab, and the Earth Simulation Lab. We also have excellent High- Performance Computing facilities.
For more information (not for application) about this position, please contact Dr Rob Govers at [email protected]
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
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.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
You can only apply via our online application system using the 'Apply now' button. Applications submitted by email cannot be considered. Please include the following documents with your application:
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A letter of motivation, describing why this postdoctoral position fits your background and interests, and how your expertise would contribute to the project. Please also explain why you are interested in working at Utrecht University and within the Department of Earth Sciences.
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A curriculum vitae, including relevant research experience, publications, and work carried out during your PhD and/or previous postdoctoral positions.
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The names and contact details (including email addresses) of at least two referees.To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.
No reference letters are required at the time of application. If you are shortlisted, we will contact your referees, but only after informing you in advance. We aim to complete the selection procedure shortly after the application deadline of July 15th , 2026. The preferred starting date is September 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Again, your possible starting date may be taken into account in the selection procedure, so clearly indicate when you think that you can start.
In the perspective, 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. Unfortunately, we must warn that it is a tight market at the moment. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.
