PhD in Earth Surface Processes, Geomorphology and Landscape Response to Retreating Glaciers
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.
