This fully funded PhD position at Wageningen University & Research is part of the NWO-funded Coast-Water-Solutions project, focusing on the hydrogeological assessment of the coastal zone of Bangladesh, specifically the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) delta. The region faces significant challenges including groundwater overexploitation, salt-water intrusion, land subsidence, pollution, and climate change impacts, all of which threaten freshwater availability for millions of inhabitants. The project supports the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 (BDP2100) by closing knowledge gaps in coastal groundwater system functioning and developing science-based strategies to secure future access to clean freshwater for WASH and food production. The successful candidate will co-develop their PhD research proposal within the Coast-Water-Solutions framework, create an open hydrogeological database, and develop a user-friendly modelling framework to analyze current and future scenarios of groundwater availability, salinity, and land subsidence. The role involves designing and evaluating integrated hydrological solutions, collaborating with stakeholders, and traveling to Bangladesh for fieldwork and project meetings. The candidate will join the Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics Group (HWM), a dynamic team led by Prof. dr. Martine van der Ploeg, and will be supervised by Dr Syed Mustafa, Dr Victor Bense, Dr Philip Minderhoud, and Dr.ir. Gualbert Oude Essink. The position is shared with the Soil Geography and Landscape group and includes collaboration with Utrecht University and Deltares. Applicants should have a strong background in Earth Sciences, hydrogeology, physical geography, or related fields, with proven or developing skills in numerical modelling and programming (Python preferred). Experience in groundwater modelling, statistical analysis, geospatial data processing, and scientific writing is highly valued. The PhD program is part of the WIMEK graduate school, and the candidate will spend up to 10% of their time on education and supervision of BSc/MSc students. The position offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a supportive international environment. Applications are open until 17 November 2025, with interviews scheduled shortly after. International candidates are welcome and will receive support with visa procedures and relocation. Diversity and inclusion are core values at Wageningen University & Research.

Wageningen University & Research is inviting applications for three fully funded PhD positions within the NWO-funded Coast-Water-Solutions project, hosted by the Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics Group. These positions offer the opportunity to contribute to innovative research on sustainable (ground)water system management, focusing on combating salinity and climate pressures in vulnerable delta regions, particularly the Bangladesh Delta. Position 1 – Water-Food Nexus: This role centers on numerical modelling of crop-water and groundwater systems to assess food security and water availability under climate change and various management scenarios. Candidates with a background in hydrology, environmental science, or related fields and experience in modelling are encouraged to apply. Position 2 – Climate-Resilient Governance: This position explores social, institutional, and policy pathways for governing salinization and creating sustainable development strategies in the Bangladesh Delta. Applicants with interests in environmental governance, policy analysis, or geography are suitable for this role. Position 3 – Hydrogeological Assessment & MAR Siting: The focus here is on developing strategies for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) to address seasonal freshwater shortages for drinking and irrigation in coastal Bangladesh. Candidates with expertise in hydrogeology, earth sciences, or water resources are ideal. All positions are part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team led by Dr. Syed Mustafa, Lecturer and researcher in Hydrogeology. The research will contribute to co-creating appropriate technologies and strategies for sustainable water management in the face of climate change. The project is funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), ensuring full financial support including salary and tuition. Eligibility: Applicants should hold a relevant master's degree and demonstrate strong analytical skills, motivation for interdisciplinary research, and proficiency in English. Experience in numerical modelling, policy analysis, or hydrogeological assessment is preferred depending on the position. Application Process: Interested candidates should apply through the specific links provided for each position. The deadline for applications is March 23, 2026. For more information, visit the application links or contact the team via LinkedIn.