PhD: Physics-informed AI-modelling of land surface processes
Faculteit Geowetenschappen (Universiteit Utrecht)
Netherlands
Research and Science
EU Blue Card
Highly Skilled Migrant
Job posted on January 22, 2026
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Job Description:
The Department of Physical geography is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with a background in hydrology, earth system science, atmospheric science, agroecology or other appropriate fields. You will work on the project “Physics-informed AI-modelling of land surface processes in a global hydrological model” as part of a large international project to improve the modelling of global water resources.
Your job
In many areas of the world, water resources are overexploited, leading to the depletion of water volumes and deterioration of water quality 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. At the department of Physical Geography at Utrecht University, we have developed the global hydrology and water resources model PCR-GLOBWB
external link
to analyse these global water challenges.
As a PhD you will improve the land surface representation of PCR-GLOBWB by including new to be developed soil and vegetation modules and an energy balance. Secondly you will use AI-based surrogates to speed up calculations and allow for better calibration of the land-surface modules to observations. Finally, you will work on improving the drought response of the vegetation in PCR-GLOBWB. Throughout the process model improvements will be compared to local and remotely sensed observations during extensive validation and sensitivity analysis.
A personalised training programme will be set up, reflecting your training needs and career objectives. About 20% of your time will be dedicated to this training component, which includes training on the job in assisting in the Bachelor and Master programmes of the department at Utrecht University.
Your qualities
We welcome a motivated team-player who recognizes themselves in the following description:
You have completed an MSc degree in hydrology, earth system science, computer science, atmospheric science, agroecology or a related discipline by the time the position starts.
Preferably, You Will Also Have
Due to the international character of our research, good command of spoken and written English is essential. We highly encourage applicants from all members of our community and of diverse backgrounds to join us.
Our offer
We Offer
In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
About Us
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 Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
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. We research processes, patterns and dynamics of Earth’s systems from the mountains to the sea, and the interaction in between. This knowledge is essential for the sustainable management of our planet and to guarantee the availability of resources for the next generations. We are a lively department that hosts an active early career community (PhD-students, researchers and lecturers). We house or have access to a wide variety of world-class laboratories, among which are UU’s Geolab, and the Earth Simulation Lab. We also have excellent High- Performance Computing facilities.
About Utrecht
The department and its facilities are located at Utrecht Science Park. Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands with a population of nearly 360,000 and forms a hub in the middle of the country. Its historical city centre and its modern central station can easily be reached from the Science Park by public transport or by a 15-minute bicycle ride. Utrecht boasts beautiful canals with extraordinary wharf cellars housing cafés and terraces by the water, as well as a broad variety of shops and boutiques.
More information
For informal information (not for application) about this position, please contact Prof. Dr Marc Bierkens at m.f.p.bierkens@uu.nl
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
Apply now
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
You Can Only Apply Via Our Online Procedure Using The 'apply Now' Button. E-mail Applications Cannot Be Accepted. Include The Following Information In Your Application
No reference letters need to be submitted in your initial application. If you are short-listed, we will contact you for referees. We aim for a quick selection procedure after the application deadline of February 22. Interviews will be on Tuesday 10 March 2026. The preferable starting date is April 1, 2026.
Note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. This will be arranged with help of the International Service Desk (ISD) of our university. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.
Online screening may be part of the selection. Commercial response to this ad is not appreciated.
APPLY NOW
Your job
In many areas of the world, water resources are overexploited, leading to the depletion of water volumes and deterioration of water quality 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. At the department of Physical Geography at Utrecht University, we have developed the global hydrology and water resources model PCR-GLOBWB
external link
to analyse these global water challenges.
As a PhD you will improve the land surface representation of PCR-GLOBWB by including new to be developed soil and vegetation modules and an energy balance. Secondly you will use AI-based surrogates to speed up calculations and allow for better calibration of the land-surface modules to observations. Finally, you will work on improving the drought response of the vegetation in PCR-GLOBWB. Throughout the process model improvements will be compared to local and remotely sensed observations during extensive validation and sensitivity analysis.
A personalised training programme will be set up, reflecting your training needs and career objectives. About 20% of your time will be dedicated to this training component, which includes training on the job in assisting in the Bachelor and Master programmes of the department at Utrecht University.
Your qualities
We welcome a motivated team-player who recognizes themselves in the following description:
You have completed an MSc degree in hydrology, earth system science, computer science, atmospheric science, agroecology or a related discipline by the time the position starts.
Preferably, You Will Also Have
- Interest in global water issues and earth system modelling;
- Strong quantitative methodological skills, for instance knowledge of (spatial) data analysis, hydrological modelling, AI-based methods;
- Experience with programming languages (e.g. Python);
- Motivation to cooperate in a diverse and multidisciplinary research team;
- Strong social and communication skills.
Due to the international character of our research, good command of spoken and written English is essential. We highly encourage applicants from all members of our community and of diverse backgrounds to join us.
Our offer
We Offer
- a position (1.0 FTE) for 1 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;
- a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
- 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
- a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.
In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
About Us
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 Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
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. We research processes, patterns and dynamics of Earth’s systems from the mountains to the sea, and the interaction in between. This knowledge is essential for the sustainable management of our planet and to guarantee the availability of resources for the next generations. We are a lively department that hosts an active early career community (PhD-students, researchers and lecturers). We house or have access to a wide variety of world-class laboratories, among which are UU’s Geolab, and the Earth Simulation Lab. We also have excellent High- Performance Computing facilities.
About Utrecht
The department and its facilities are located at Utrecht Science Park. Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands with a population of nearly 360,000 and forms a hub in the middle of the country. Its historical city centre and its modern central station can easily be reached from the Science Park by public transport or by a 15-minute bicycle ride. Utrecht boasts beautiful canals with extraordinary wharf cellars housing cafés and terraces by the water, as well as a broad variety of shops and boutiques.
More information
For informal information (not for application) about this position, please contact Prof. Dr Marc Bierkens at m.f.p.bierkens@uu.nl
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
Apply now
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
You Can Only Apply Via Our Online Procedure Using The 'apply Now' Button. E-mail Applications Cannot Be Accepted. Include The Following Information In Your Application
- your curriculum vitae, including any courses taken that are relevant for the position;
- academic credentials (mark sheets and degree statements);
- a letter of motivation,
No reference letters need to be submitted in your initial application. If you are short-listed, we will contact you for referees. We aim for a quick selection procedure after the application deadline of February 22. Interviews will be on Tuesday 10 March 2026. The preferable starting date is April 1, 2026.
Note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. This will be arranged with help of the International Service Desk (ISD) of our university. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.
Online screening may be part of the selection. Commercial response to this ad is not appreciated.