Utrecht University
4 days ago
Postdoc in Subsurface Freshwater Storage and Groundwater Modelling at Utrecht University Utrecht University in Netherlands
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Full-time postdoctoral position for two years. Gross monthly salary is between €3,706 and €4,599 for full-time employment (salary scale 10.0–10.5 under CAO NU), plus 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms.
Deadline
Oct 9, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Utrecht University
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About this position
Postdoc opportunity in subsurface freshwater storage and groundwater modelling at Utrecht University, Netherlands.
This postdoctoral position is part of the NWO KIC project STURDI-Water (Storage, Upgrade, Reuse and Distribution of Water in regional collaborative networks). The research focuses on freshwater scarcity and salinisation in delta regions, with a case-study emphasis on the Dutch Southwest Delta, especially Zeeland and Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
The successful candidate will work at the interface of hydrogeology, variable-density groundwater flow, fresh-salt transport modelling, field evidence, and spatial decision support. Main tasks include improving and applying a calibrated high-resolution groundwater model, analysing controls on subsurface water storage, running scenario and sensitivity analyses, assessing infiltration and abstraction strategies, and producing spatial potentiality maps for subsurface freshwater storage.
Required background includes a PhD in hydrogeology, physical geography, earth sciences, civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a closely related field. Strong experience with numerical groundwater modelling is expected; familiarity with MODFLOW, MT3DMS, SEAWAT, solute transport, freshwater-saltwater dynamics, aquifer storage and recovery, Python, and GIS is advantageous. Applicants should also be able to work with heterogeneous geological and monitoring datasets, write and present scientific results in English, and collaborate in an interdisciplinary consortium.
The position is embedded in Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences and offers a full-time appointment for two years. Funding includes a gross monthly salary of €3,706–€4,599, plus holiday pay, year-end bonus, pension, and other employment benefits under the Dutch universities’ collective agreement.
Apply through the Utrecht University vacancy page by 9 October 2026. Prepare a motivation letter, CV with publication list, a short sample of relevant scientific work, and contact details for two referees.
Funding details
Full-time postdoctoral position for two years. Gross monthly salary is between €3,706 and €4,599 for full-time employment (salary scale 10.0–10.5 under CAO NU), plus 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms.
What's required
A PhD in hydrogeology, physical geography, earth sciences, civil or environmental engineering, or a closely related field is required. Applicants should have demonstrated experience with numerical groundwater modelling, preferably variable-density flow, solute transport, freshwater-saltwater processes, aquifer storage and recovery, or similar subsurface storage applications. Experience with MODFLOW, MT3DMS, SEAWAT or related codes is an advantage, along with a solid understanding of calibration, sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis, and uncertainty assessment. Programming and data-analysis skills in reproducible workflows such as Python, plus GIS-based spatial analysis, are expected. The role also requires the ability to work with heterogeneous geological, hydrogeological, and monitoring datasets, strong scientific writing and presentation skills in English, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary consortium.
How to apply
Apply via the ‘apply now’ button on the Utrecht University vacancy page. Submit a concise motivation letter, CV including publication list, a brief example of relevant scientific work, and the names and contact details of two referees. The deadline is 9 October 2026.
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