PhD Stipend in Monitoring and Predicting Droughts on National Scale in Hydrology and Earth Observation Aalborg University in Denmark

PhD stipend opportunity at Aalborg University for research on monitoring and predicting droughts on a national scale. The project is part of the DREAM initiative, which aims to build a satellite-integrated hydro-meteorological drought early warning and monitoring system for large-scale river basins.

The PhD topic focuses on developing a novel model-based drought index combination for Denmark, reflecting dryness in the atmosphere, hydrology, and agriculture. The project will work with hydrological modelling, land surface models, calibration, data assimilation, satellite Earth Observation, geodesy, meteorological/hydrological data processing, GIS, and hydroinformatics. A key model mentioned is the VIC model, including calibration, groundwater coupling, and assimilation of streamflow, soil moisture, and groundwater observations.

The ideal applicant holds an MSc equivalent to a Danish 2-year master’s degree in Geodesy, Hydrology, Water Resources, Civil Engineering, Physics and Meteorology, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, or a related field. Strong numerical modelling and programming skills are essential. The call also expects experience in at least two relevant areas among hydrological/land surface modelling, calibration/data assimilation, satellite geodetic or EO data processing, and meteorological/hydrological data analysis. Good English skills are required.

Funding is a full-time PhD stipend for 3 years, funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF). The position includes standard PhD employment terms at Aalborg University, access to high-performance computing and modelling infrastructure, participation in international conferences, and a research stay abroad.

Deadline: 07.08.2026. The position is open from 01.10.2026 or soon thereafter. Applicants must submit a motivation letter, project plan, CV with scientific outputs and two academic references, MSc diploma or supervisor statement if not yet completed, master thesis, and exam list with ECTS and grades through Aalborg University’s recruitment system.