PhD Position: Hydrogeological System Understanding of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta and Impact Evaluation of Future Water Management Strategies under a Changing Climate

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.