In many areas of the world, water resources are overexploited, leading to the depletion of water volumes in aquifers, reservoirs and rivers. This, in turn, leads to a greater pressure on the remaining water resources and more water scarcity in different sectors. Together with the National Geographic Society, we want to understand how we can turn the tide and go
from unsustainable water use practices to a sustainable future.

As a Postdoc you will contribute to our understanding of sustainable water use strategies by modelling the impact of unsustainable water use on different sectors. For selected hotspot regions (e.g. Central Valley California, Upper Indus) you will study what is needed to move from an unsustainable water use regime to sustainable solutions with a focus on sustainable
groundwater use. You will take into account the water demand for different sectors and the changing hydrological conditions as a result of climate change. You will incorporate these scenarios in a state-of-the-art global hydrology and water resources model (PCR-GLOBWB) developed by the hydrology group in Utrecht. Your model developments will be validated and tested against local observations and knowledge for different hotspot regions around the world in close collaboration with our consortium partners. 

You will collaborate closely with other team members at Utrecht University (team leaders, a software support engineer, a PhD candidate, a number of MSc students) and the National Geographic Society. You will become part of the National Geographic World Water Map.

We are looking for candidates with:

• a PhD in earth sciences, hydrology, civil engineering, environmental science or a related field;
• an interest in applying large scale hydrological models;
• affinity with numerical modelling;
• prior knowledge in handling large scale (hydrological) datasets;
• ability to work in a team;
• excellent English oral and writing skills.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for a period of 3 years. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience - ranges between €2,960 and €4,670 (scale 10 of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year.
In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilisation of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The Department of Physical Geography excels in research and education on BSc, MSc and PhD level. Our research focuses on processes, patterns and dynamics of the Earth’s continental and coastal systems, and on the interaction between these processes. This knowledge is essential for the sustainable management of our planet and to guarantee the availability of resources for the next generations.