PhD in Earth Surface Processes, Geomorphology and Landscape Response to Retreating Glaciers Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in Spain

PhD opportunity in Earth Surface Processes and Geomorphology at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, in collaboration with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The project, “Landscape response to retreating glaciers: quantifying transient processes, erosion and sediment dynamics”, is an NWO-funded PhD focused on how landscapes respond after glaciers disappear, especially in the Southern Alps of New Zealand.

The research combines field observations, cosmogenic nuclides, tracer thermochronology, Raman spectroscopy, and numerical modelling to investigate glacier retreat, tectonic forcing, erosion, sediment transport, and landscape evolution in a dynamic mountain belt. The successful candidate will be based in Barcelona, with fieldwork in New Zealand and opportunities for research visits and international collaboration with VU Amsterdam. A joint PhD degree may be possible.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should have an MSc degree in Earth Sciences or equivalent, be comfortable working in a collaborative research environment, have strong English communication and writing skills, and show excellent academic performance and research potential. Interest in geomorphology, geochronology/thermochronology, GIS, and modelling is relevant.

Funding: the position offers a gross annual salary of 24,800–33,200 EUR for 4 years, plus tuition fees, fieldwork and analytical support, conference and travel funding, and standard employment benefits.

Application window: applications are expected to open on 2026-06-15 and remain open for three weeks. The post says the position should be advertised on the UAB website and EURAXESS, and applicants should submit the required documents through the application portal.