PhD Position: Feedbacks and Agency in Future Water Use Utrecht University in Netherlands

This PhD position at Utrecht University's Department of Physical Geography is part of the EMBRACER project, focusing on 'Feedbacks and Agency in Future Water Use.' The project addresses the challenges posed by increasing water withdrawal due to population growth, economic development, and climate change, which can lead to water scarcity, groundwater depletion, and ecosystem deterioration. Traditional global hydrology and water resources models often rely on projections from integrated assessment models, but this project aims to advance these models by incorporating societal adaptation strategies. These strategies may include changes in water sources, irrigation technologies, crop types, cooling technologies in power plants, and alternative water sources in domestic and manufacturing sectors.

The research will integrate adaptation agency into new water use models, considering economic principles, risk profiles, and regulatory conditions. The resulting model will be generic and applicable to any hydrological model, with specific application to the PCR-GLOBWB hydrology model and the IMAGE3 integrated assessment model. The position offers a personalized training program tailored to the candidate's needs and career objectives, with about 20% of the time dedicated to training, including assisting in the department's Bachelor's and Master's programs.

The Department of Physical Geography at Utrecht University is renowned for its research and education on Earth's systems, sustainability, and innovation, and offers access to world-class laboratories and high-performance computing facilities. The EMBRACER project brings together leading climate experts to address uncertainties about climate feedbacks at the boundaries between oceans, land, ice, and atmosphere. The position is for one year initially, extendable to four years, with a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881, plus holiday pay, year-end bonus, pension scheme, and flexible employment terms.

Applicants must have an MSc in a relevant field, strong quantitative and programming skills, and excellent English proficiency. The application deadline is 19 December 2025. International candidates are welcome, with support available for visa and relocation processes.