Are you interested in developing quantitative models/digital twins to solve urban challenges? Are you passionate about nature-based solutions (NbS) and their contribution to solving water scarcity? Do you have experience in GIS, Python and even hydrology model? If yes, check our new EngD vacancy!

We are currently seeking for an EngD candidate to develop a model-based tool for planning nature-based solutions in cities to enable sustainable rainwater reuse for major urban water users. In this 2-year project, you work will be to:

• investigate, with the municipality and major urban water users, their spatial and temporal water demands, both in quantity and quality;
• explore how NbS could be planned and designed to enable rainwater harvesting, storage, treatment and reuse, in combination with existing "grey" infrastructure;
• be trained to use and integrate geo-information system (GIS), hydrology models (e.g. EPA-SWMM) and an existing water resource management model in our team (WaterROUTE in Python) to develop new tools;
• apply and validate the tool through co-design activities with urban stakeholders.

Sustaining urban green during drought will be the first potential case of application, while other cases will become available meanwhile. This project is also embedded in a large Dutch national water management project "AquaConnect", you will interact with existing researchers and PhDs within AquaConnect, who may use your tool for their research.

The research is embedded within the chair Environmental Technology group (www.ete.wur.nl), and member of the Urban System Engineering team, which is led by Prof. Huub Rijnaarts. You will be co-supervised by Dr. Wei-Shan Chen. Part of your work will take place at Wageningen Environmental Research and Amsterdam Institute of Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS), possibly with co-supervisors from both organizations.

You have:

• a successfully completed MSc degree (before 31st October 2022) in environmental science/technology/engineering/management, water resource management, or related fields;
• a strong interest in water resource management, climate change studies and/or urban infrastructure transitions;
• an ability to collaborate and interact with societal/urban stakeholders;
• excellent communication skills: proficiency in English is essential and in Dutch is highly valued;
• creative, innovative, eager to learn and persistent;
• be able and ready to start this EngD position no later than 1st November 2022;
• experience in using GIS, EPA-SWMM and/or Python for research activities is a plus;
• experience in urban system or large environmental system modelling is a plus.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• study leave and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

The gross salary for is € 2089,- per month (Toio) according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the "Best University" in the Netherlands for the 17th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is "To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life". Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,200 employees (6,400 fte) and 13,200 students and over 150.000 participants to WUR's Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!