PhD Integration of Flux Measurements in Groundwater Models

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position titled "Integration of Flux Measurements in Groundwater Models" within the Faculty of Engineering, Department Water and Climate. The university, renowned for its commitment to freedom, equality, and solidarity, offers a vibrant, diverse, and innovative academic environment in Brussels, Belgium. As a member of the EUTOPIA alliance, VUB is at the forefront of pioneering research and education. This PhD project is embedded in the recently granted FWO project "Can we listen to groundwater?" and focuses on integrating distributed fibre-optic sensing and local direct groundwater flux measurements into numerical groundwater flow models to reduce uncertainty. The research aims to address the challenges of predicting climate change impacts, groundwater drought resilience, and adaptation by improving model calibration and uncertainty quantification. The project leverages novel iFlux sensor prototypes and (quasi-)distributed optical fibre sensing techniques, combining local and spatially distributed measurements to enhance groundwater model reliability. The successful candidate will join the Groundwater Group within the Research Group of Water and Climate, working closely with the Brussels Photonics B-PHOT research group. The research will involve field measurement and geostatistical analysis of groundwater fluxes, transient 3D groundwater modelling, integration of flux measurements in uncertainty quantification, and assessment of uncertainty reduction. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and participation in project meetings, international conferences, and scientific publications are integral to the role. Supervision will be provided by Professor Marijke Huysmans and Dr. Lara Speijer, ensuring strong academic guidance and support. The position is based at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene). Eligibility requirements include demonstrable interest and experience in hydrogeology and groundwater modelling, proficiency in MODFLOW, hydrogeological fieldwork, groundwater data analysis, Python programming, and statistics. Additional skills such as experience with FloPy, knowledge of the hydro-geology of Flanders, Dutch language proficiency, and a driver’s license are considered advantageous. Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills in English are essential. Applicants must not have worked as an assistant paid from operating resources for more than 12 months and must meet VUB permit and residence requirements if non-EEA nationals. The offer includes a full-time PhD scholarship for 12 months, extendable up to 48 months upon positive evaluation, with a grant linked to government scales. Benefits encompass telework allowance, hospitalisation insurance, public transport reimbursement, campus meal discounts, sports facilities, nursery discounts, and access to learning platforms. The planned starting date is 15 August 2026. To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, and diploma (not required for VUB alumni) via jobs.vub.be by 20 March 2026. The selection process involves an initial file review followed by a job interview. For further information about the job content, contact Professor Marijke Huysmans at [email protected] . Explore more about VUB and the EUTOPIA alliance at jobs.vub.be and eutopia-university.eu . This opportunity offers a unique chance to contribute to cutting-edge research in groundwater modelling and environmental science, with strong interdisciplinary collaboration and excellent institutional support.