Joint PhD position in JRC and University of Basel: Quantifying the Role of Soil Erosion on Phosphorus Loads and Eutrophication in European Freshwaters University of Basel in Switzerland

This joint PhD position between the University of Basel and the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) offers an exciting opportunity to advance research on the quantification and mitigation of soil- and sediment-driven nutrient pollution in European freshwater systems. The project focuses on understanding the role of soil erosion and land management in phosphorus transport and the resulting eutrophication, a critical environmental issue affecting water quality across Europe.

The successful candidate will develop integrated and reproducible approaches to monitor, model, and reduce nutrient pollution, leveraging data from the EU Water Framework Directive. The research will involve calibrating and validating advanced sediment routing and modelling techniques, as well as designing a European-scale turbidity and sediment monitoring framework that combines in situ observations with satellite remote sensing technologies such as Sentinel-2 and Copernicus.

The position is fully funded through the Horizon Europe programme. While employed at the JRC, the candidate will receive a JRC Grantholder Category 20 salary (approximately 45,000 Euro gross per year, subject to national income tax). During the University of Basel employment period, salary and benefits will follow the university's standards. The PhD will be based for two years at the Environmental Geosciences department, University of Basel (Switzerland), and for two years at the JRC in Ispra, Italy, providing a unique international research environment and access to leading European research infrastructure.

Applicants should hold or be near completion of a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Ecology, Soil Science, Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, or Bioscience. Essential skills include a strong interest in soil erosion mapping/modelling, experience with soil monitoring and erosion processes, and proficiency in programming (R or Python), spatial analysis, and GIS. Experience with remote sensing and large-scale datasets is highly desirable. Candidates must have excellent English communication skills, be proactive, and able to work independently. Eligibility is restricted to nationals of EU Member States or associated countries, or those resident in an EU Member State for at least five years, and candidates must be enrolled in a PhD programme at the University of Basel prior to contract start.

The application deadline is 6 April 2026. The selection process involves an initial screening by the University of Basel, followed by interviews with both the university and the JRC. For further information and to apply, visit the University of Basel job portal or contact Professor Christine Alewell at [email protected].