PhD Position in Earth Sciences (Utrecht University)

Faculty: Faculty of Geosciences Department: Department of Earth Sciences Hours per week: 36–40 Application deadline: 19 December 2025 Position Overview The Utrecht Department of Earth Sciences, group Stratigraphy and Paleontology, is looking for a highly motivated and versatile PhD candidate with an MSc background in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Climate Physics, Oceanography, or other appropriate fields. Your Job You will work on the project “Eemian sea level.” In this 4-year fully funded position, you will combine two toolsets: generating proxy data reflecting surface ocean changes and simulations of sea level changes using comprehensive ice sheet models. The sea level in the Eemian was much higher than today, 3 to 6 m or even higher. The high sea levels during the Eemian cannot be explained by a complete melting of the Greenland ice sheet, as large parts of it survived the Eemian stage. This implies that the Antarctic ice sheet was also very vulnerable to melting during this period, but few model studies have been conducted on the Antarctic contribution. The aim of this research project is to further investigate the timing of major sea level changes and thus the contribution of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets during the Eemian by generating high-resolution proxy records from the Dutch subsurface, including the type locality of the Eemian near the city of Amersfoort. Special emphasis will be on the varying background conditions between the Saalian–Eemian transition (termination II), when large ice sheets formed the Dutch coastline and the adjacent North Sea, and the LGM–Holocene transition (termination I), when large ice caps lay further north. The comparison between these new datasets and experiments with ice sheet models could lead to a better long-term projection of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets in our warming world. The project is highly multidisciplinary and collaborative. Proxy data will include stable isotope composition analyses of foraminifera and mollusc shells, as not much is known about temperature and isotopic changes in the waters flooding the Netherlands and Northwest Europe during past interglacial periods, such as the Eemian. The study is expected to shed new light upon: The timing and possible causes of rapid sea level changes during the Eemian. The complex interactions between global warming, sea level changes, glacial rebound, and sediment transport on a more regional scale. The position is part of the Earth System Feedback Research Centre (EMBRACER), which focuses on carbon and water cycle feedbacks within the climate system. EMBRACER includes 23 PIs from a wide variety of disciplines in the Netherlands. The EMBRACER community of students and staff will have regular cross-disciplinary meetings and events, providing opportunities to connect across climate science fields. The project will also have close links with Past to Future (P2F), a 4-year Horizon Europe research project launched in March 2025, consisting of 24 partners from various disciplines in climate model development, paleo-climate data collection, and applied mathematics. Your Qualities The project requires development of both numerical and proxy data skills. You must have completed an MSc degree in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Climate Physics, Oceanography, or a related discipline. The project requires: Experience or strong interest in paleoclimate/paleoceanography. Skills in micropaleontology or affinity with microscope work. Experience in working in a laboratory. Affinity for coding and programming, or willingness to learn. Versatility and flexibility to learn new techniques and skillsets. Capability to independently plan and organize your work, with interest in taking a leading role. Adequate social, verbal, and communication skills. Due to the international character of the research, good command of spoken and written English is essential. Applicants from all backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. Our Offer We offer: A full-time (1.0 FTE) position, initially for one year, with an extension to four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, with the intent that it results in a doctorate. A working week of 36–40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 (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 under the CAO NU. In addition to the standard terms of employment, Utrecht University offers a range of its own schemes for employees, including: Arrangements for professional development. Various types of leave. Options for sports and cultural activities. Tailored employment conditions through the Terms of Employment Options Model. A personalized training programme will be established upon recruitment, reflecting your training needs, development goals, and career objectives. Up to 10% of your time will be dedicated to assisting in BSc and MSc teaching programmes within the Department of Earth Sciences. About Us A better future for everyone — this ambition motivates Utrecht University’s scientists in executing leading research and inspiring teaching. Collaboration across disciplines focuses on strategic themes such as Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences, and Pathways to Sustainability. The Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth — from its core to its surface — including human use of spatial and material resources, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students and 720 staff, the Faculty is organized into four departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development. The Department of Earth Sciences conducts teaching and research across geology, geochemistry, geophysics, biogeology, and hydrogeology. It hosts over 50 tenured scientists and 110+ PhD students and postdocs. Its research spans four themes: Climate & Life, Earth Interior, Earth Materials, and Environmental Earth Sciences. The Stratigraphy & Paleontology Group engages in multidisciplinary research on the interaction between climate, oceans, lithosphere, and biosphere. Using chemical and biological proxies, the group reconstructs paleoclimates, ecosystem dynamics, and evolutionary processes, and refines the geologic time scale through integrated stratigraphy. About Utrecht Utrecht, the Netherlands’ fourth largest city with nearly 360,000 residents, is centrally located and easily accessible. Its historic city centre and modern central station are a short ride from the Utrecht Science Park. The city features scenic canals with waterside cafés, shops, music venues, and a vibrant cultural scene. More Information For additional information (not for application) about this vacancy, please contact: Prof. Dr. Lucas J. Lourens Email: L.J.Lourens@uu.nl Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University. Apply Now Utrecht University strives to be a home for everyone. We value staff from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and identities, including cultural, religious, or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age. We aim to create a safe and inclusive environment for all. To apply, please send your curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation via the ‘apply now’ button. Application deadline: 19 December 2025 Interviews: 28–29 January 2026 Start date: 1 March 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) Note: International candidates requiring a visa/work permit for the Netherlands need at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. The International Service Desk (ISD) will assist with this process. Finding suitable housing in or near Utrecht is your responsibility, though ISD can provide advice. For general information about working and living in the Netherlands, consult the Dutch Mobility Portal. Online screening may be part of the selection process. Commercial responses to this advertisement are not appreciated. Application deadline: 19 December 2025 If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

Faculty: Faculty of Geosciences
Department: Department of Earth Sciences
Hours per week: 36–40
Application deadline: 19 December 2025

Position Overview

The Utrecht Department of Earth Sciences, group Stratigraphy and Paleontology, is looking for a highly motivated and versatile PhD candidate with an MSc background in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Climate Physics, Oceanography, or other appropriate fields.

Your Job

You will work on the project “Eemian sea level.” In this 4-year fully funded position, you will combine two toolsets: generating proxy data reflecting surface ocean changes and simulations of sea level changes using comprehensive ice sheet models.

The sea level in the Eemian was much higher than today, 3 to 6 m or even higher. The high sea levels during the Eemian cannot be explained by a complete melting of the Greenland ice sheet, as large parts of it survived the Eemian stage. This implies that the Antarctic ice sheet was also very vulnerable to melting during this period, but few model studies have been conducted on the Antarctic contribution.

The aim of this research project is to further investigate the timing of major sea level changes and thus the contribution of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets during the Eemian by generating high-resolution proxy records from the Dutch subsurface, including the type locality of the Eemian near the city of Amersfoort.

Special emphasis will be on the varying background conditions between the Saalian–Eemian transition (termination II), when large ice sheets formed the Dutch coastline and the adjacent North Sea, and the LGM–Holocene transition (termination I), when large ice caps lay further north. The comparison between these new datasets and experiments with ice sheet models could lead to a better long-term projection of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets in our warming world.

The project is highly multidisciplinary and collaborative. Proxy data will include stable isotope composition analyses of foraminifera and mollusc shells, as not much is known about temperature and isotopic changes in the waters flooding the Netherlands and Northwest Europe during past interglacial periods, such as the Eemian.

The study is expected to shed new light upon:

The timing and possible causes of rapid sea level changes during the Eemian.
The complex interactions between global warming, sea level changes, glacial rebound, and sediment transport on a more regional scale.

The position is part of the Earth System Feedback Research Centre (EMBRACER), which focuses on carbon and water cycle feedbacks within the climate system. EMBRACER includes 23 PIs from a wide variety of disciplines in the Netherlands. The EMBRACER community of students and staff will have regular cross-disciplinary meetings and events, providing opportunities to connect across climate science fields.

The project will also have close links with Past to Future (P2F), a 4-year Horizon Europe research project launched in March 2025, consisting of 24 partners from various disciplines in climate model development, paleo-climate data collection, and applied mathematics.

Your Qualities

The project requires development of both numerical and proxy data skills. You must have completed an MSc degree in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Climate Physics, Oceanography, or a related discipline.

The project requires:

Experience or strong interest in paleoclimate/paleoceanography.
Skills in micropaleontology or affinity with microscope work.
Experience in working in a laboratory.
Affinity for coding and programming, or willingness to learn.
Versatility and flexibility to learn new techniques and skillsets.
Capability to independently plan and organize your work, with interest in taking a leading role.
Adequate social, verbal, and communication skills.

Due to the international character of the research, good command of spoken and written English is essential. Applicants from all backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

Our Offer

We offer:

A full-time (1.0 FTE) position, initially for one year, with an extension to four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, with the intent that it results in a doctorate.
A working week of 36–40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 (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 under the CAO NU.

In addition to the standard terms of employment, Utrecht University offers a range of its own schemes for employees, including:

Arrangements for professional development.
Various types of leave.
Options for sports and cultural activities.
Tailored employment conditions through the Terms of Employment Options Model.

A personalized training programme will be established upon recruitment, reflecting your training needs, development goals, and career objectives. Up to 10% of your time will be dedicated to assisting in BSc and MSc teaching programmes within the Department of Earth Sciences.

About Us

A better future for everyone — this ambition motivates Utrecht University’s scientists in executing leading research and inspiring teaching. Collaboration across disciplines focuses on strategic themes such as Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences, and Pathways to Sustainability.

The Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth — from its core to its surface — including human use of spatial and material resources, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students and 720 staff, the Faculty is organized into four departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The Department of Earth Sciences conducts teaching and research across geology, geochemistry, geophysics, biogeology, and hydrogeology. It hosts over 50 tenured scientists and 110+ PhD students and postdocs. Its research spans four themes: Climate & Life, Earth Interior, Earth Materials, and Environmental Earth Sciences.

The Stratigraphy & Paleontology Group engages in multidisciplinary research on the interaction between climate, oceans, lithosphere, and biosphere. Using chemical and biological proxies, the group reconstructs paleoclimates, ecosystem dynamics, and evolutionary processes, and refines the geologic time scale through integrated stratigraphy.

About Utrecht

Utrecht, the Netherlands’ fourth largest city with nearly 360,000 residents, is centrally located and easily accessible. Its historic city centre and modern central station are a short ride from the Utrecht Science Park. The city features scenic canals with waterside cafés, shops, music venues, and a vibrant cultural scene.

More Information

For additional information (not for application) about this vacancy, please contact:
Prof. Dr. Lucas J. Lourens
Email: L.J.Lourens@uu.nl

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply Now

Utrecht University strives to be a home for everyone. We value staff from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and identities, including cultural, religious, or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age. We aim to create a safe and inclusive environment for all.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation via the ‘apply now’ button.

Application deadline: 19 December 2025
Interviews: 28–29 January 2026
Start date: 1 March 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)

Note: International candidates requiring a visa/work permit for the Netherlands need at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. The International Service Desk (ISD) will assist with this process.

Finding suitable housing in or near Utrecht is your responsibility, though ISD can provide advice. For general information about working and living in the Netherlands, consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.

Online screening may be part of the selection process. Commercial responses to this advertisement are not appreciated.

Application deadline: 19 December 2025

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

Apply

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