PhD position on Quantifying the Role of Vegetation on Drought Duration, Propagation and Recovery for Multi-year Droughts (1.0 FTE)

1. identifying the critical duration of droughts to have long-lasting impacts on the vegetation;
2. studying the time it takes for vegetation to recover and the impact on water resources;
3. studying the impact of climate change on vegetation drought impacts and the recovery times. By using existing models and know-how on drought events you will identify patterns, and later study how these patterns will change in response to further climate change.

• an MSc in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Earth Sciences or a related field;
• affinity with data analysis and/or numerical modelling;
• the ability to work in teams;
• excellent English oral and writing skills;
• preferably basic Dutch oral skills or a willingness to master the Dutch language.

You will be offered a temporary position (1.0 FTE), initially for one year with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period. The gross salary ranges between €2,541 in the first year and €3,247 in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a 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 strategic 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 faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.

The Department of Physical Geography has the ambition to excel in research and education on BSc, MSc and PhD level. Its research focuses on processes, patterns and dynamics of 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.