We are looking for a PhD-candidate in a unique project investigating the subsurface heterogeneity and geohydrological conditions below dikes, focusing on the risk of backward erosion (piping).
The Netherlands relies on a network of about 2,000 km of river dikes to contain flooding in its floodplains. These dikes undergo continuous assessment, maintenance, and reinforcement to uphold the highest safety standards. A major risk to dike stability is Backward Erosion Piping (BEP): groundwater flow underneath a dike entrains sand particles, eroding the base of the dike. Current BEP risk assessments weigh uncertainties conservatively and simplify the interactions between subsurface heterogeneity, 3D groundwater flow and BEP. To make risk assessments of BEP more realistic it is therefore necessary to get a better grip on these interactions, but also to make sure that uncertainties are propagated in a sound and robust way. The envisaged PhD candidate shall investigate optimal ways to schematize and parameterize the subsurface at local to regional scales to assess dike safety using geological and geohydrological data and models, for characteristic fluvial landscapes in the Netherlands.
UU is offering this PhD position within the Digital Dikes project, funded by NWO-TTW. The Digital Dikes project is a consortium project between Twente University, Delft University, Utrecht University, Deltares Research Institute, industrial and governmental national and international partners. The project aligns their various research lines into BEP and risk assessment for dikes.
For this PhD research, we seek a highly motivated PhD candidate who is eager to face the challenge of subsurface characterization and contribute to improved dike safety. You will develop advanced digital models of the subsurface architecture (i.e. hydrogeological schematizations) that encompass the 3D variability in geohydrological properties. These models are to be validated using real-world monitoring data (e.g. on sand boils), and used in 3D groundwater flow simulations to predict BEP potential occurrence spatially. For this you can draw on the Dept. of Physical Geography’s unique expertise on geomorphology, geology and geohydrology of the Dutch river delta, embanked floodplains and flood-protected polders.
In detail, your tasks will comprise the following:
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develop digital hydrogeological schematizations of dike substrate and use these in simulations of groundwater flow and particle mobilization underneath dikes;
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validate schematizations and simulations using in-situ measurements and observations, using existing datasets as well as new field observations;
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develop a PhD thesis using the above, where some thesis chapters are peer-reviewed journal papers.
As PhD candidate, you will work together with PhD candidates and postdoc researchers from other universities, and external parties such as Deltares Research Institute and Rijkswaterstaat. Your work will contribute to the effective representation of the subsurface architecture and its natural variability to quantify the risk of BEP underneath dikes and, eventually, contribute to the projects overall aim of using the obtained knowledge to develop innovative approaches for assessing dike safety and efficient dike reinforcement strategies. To maximize impact, you will work with Deltares Research Institute and Rijkswaterstaat to implement your results in national risk assessment tools
To support academic and personal development, PhD candidates 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.
This project will be carried out in close collaboration with Deltares Research Institute.
We look forward to your application if you have the following qualifications:
A MSc in hydrology, Earth sciences, physical geography, environmental science, civil engineering or a related field;
Experience with making geoscientific field observations and interpretations in Holocene lowlands, and translation them into subsurface maps, sections, and schematizations;
Proficiency in numerical groundwater modelling, including the use of coding (e.g. Python) and incorporation of geohydrological schematizations;
The ability to work independently and take initiative, with good organizational skills;
The ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, with good communication skills;
Excellent English oral and writing skills, and willingness to learn Dutch;
An open, critical mindset and intrinsic interest in Holocene lowland and geohydrological science.
We offer:
- a position (1.0 FTE) for 1 year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
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a working week of 32 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
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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 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 are a lively department that hosts an active early career community (PhD-students, researchers and lecturers). We organise a warm welcome for every new member.
For more information please contact Rens van Beek (Associate Professor Earth Surface Hydrology) at [email protected] or Esther Stouthamer (Professor Delta Evolution and Subsurface Processes) 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.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.
If you have an international (not-Dutch) Master-diploma you will be requested to send your BA- and MA-diplomas and grade lists (in English).
The interviews are on the 27th and 28th of August, 2026. The first round can be online via MS Teams. Preferred starting date is October 2026.
