PhD Position in Geography (Utrecht University)

Faculty: Faculty of Geosciences Department: Department of Physical Geography Hours per week: 36 to 40 Application deadline: 10 May 2026 Overview Predicting ecosystem dynamics under global change requires accurate, high-resolution soil information. Existing global soil maps are largely based on empirical machine learning methods, which can struggle to represent underlying soil processes. Your Job This project aims to develop a new generation of soil mapping approaches by combining mechanistic understanding of soil formation with modern machine learning. You will work on extending data-driven models with process-informed constraints and novel data integration strategies. The position is embedded in the Computational Geography research group at the Department of Physical Geography and closely relates to other projects with several researchers working on soil modelling and mapping and geo-spatial AI methods development in general. To support academic and personal development, PhD candidates follow courses and assist in teaching Earth Sciences at Bachelor's and Master's level. Together these activities amount to twenty percent of the contracted time. Your Qualities We look forward to your application if you have the following qualifications: MSc (or near completion) in statistics, applied mathematics, data science, environmental modelling, geosciences, or related field with strong quantitative focus; Strong background in machine learning methods such as neural networks and transformers; Knowledge on handling large scale datasets; Programming skills in Python and/or R; familiar with reproducible coding and automated (geospatial) data analysis; Familiarity or interest to dive into environmental or soil science applications and hybrid modelling (process-informed machine learning); Strong interest in interdisciplinary scientific challenges at the interface of domain knowledge and data science and collaboration in a multidisciplinary team; Excellent English oral and writing skills. Our Offer We offer: A position (1.0 FTE) for 1 year, with an extension to a total of 4 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 (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 CAO NU terms, Utrecht University offers a range of schemes for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. Employment conditions can also be tailored through the Terms of Employment Options Model to support personal and professional development. More information: Working at Utrecht University. About Us A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing leading research and inspiring teaching. Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from its core to surface, including human spatial and material utilization – with a focus on sustainability and innovation. The Faculty has 3,400 students and 720 staff, and is organized into four departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development. The Department of Physical Geography researches processes, patterns, and dynamics of Earth’s systems, from mountains to seas. We have access to world-class laboratories like Geolab and Earth Simulation Lab, and excellent high-performance computing facilities. Our department hosts an active early career community and organizes a warm welcome for new members. Utrecht Science Park is easily accessible from the historical city centre by public transport or a 15-minute bicycle ride. Utrecht has canals, cafés, terraces, and diverse shopping opportunities. More Information For more information, please contact Madlene Nussbaum at m.nussbaum@uu.nl. Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University. Application Instructions Please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button. Interviews are on 18 and 19 May 2026; the first round may be online via MS Teams. Starting date upon mutual agreement. International applicants must provide BSc and MSc diplomas and gradelists (in English). Reference letters are not required for initial application; short-listed candidates will be contacted for referees. International candidates requiring a visa/work permit should allow at least four months for processing, with support from the International Service Desk (ISD). Housing is the candidate’s responsibility, but ISD can provide advice. For general information on working and living in the Netherlands, consult the Dutch Mobility Portal. Application deadline: 10 May 2026 Inclusion and Diversity Utrecht University values staff with diverse backgrounds and identities and strives to create a safe, inclusive environment for all. Knowledge security screening may be part of the selection procedures to prevent unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

Faculty: Faculty of Geosciences
Department: Department of Physical Geography
Hours per week: 36 to 40
Application deadline: 10 May 2026

Overview

Predicting ecosystem dynamics under global change requires accurate, high-resolution soil information. Existing global soil maps are largely based on empirical machine learning methods, which can struggle to represent underlying soil processes.

Your Job

This project aims to develop a new generation of soil mapping approaches by combining mechanistic understanding of soil formation with modern machine learning. You will work on extending data-driven models with process-informed constraints and novel data integration strategies.

The position is embedded in the Computational Geography research group at the Department of Physical Geography and closely relates to other projects with several researchers working on soil modelling and mapping and geo-spatial AI methods development in general.

To support academic and personal development, PhD candidates follow courses and assist in teaching Earth Sciences at Bachelor's and Master's level. Together these activities amount to twenty percent of the contracted time.

Your Qualities

We look forward to your application if you have the following qualifications:

MSc (or near completion) in statistics, applied mathematics, data science, environmental modelling, geosciences, or related field with strong quantitative focus;
Strong background in machine learning methods such as neural networks and transformers;
Knowledge on handling large scale datasets;
Programming skills in Python and/or R; familiar with reproducible coding and automated (geospatial) data analysis;
Familiarity or interest to dive into environmental or soil science applications and hybrid modelling (process-informed machine learning);
Strong interest in interdisciplinary scientific challenges at the interface of domain knowledge and data science and collaboration in a multidisciplinary team;
Excellent English oral and writing skills.

Our Offer

We offer:

A position (1.0 FTE) for 1 year, with an extension to a total of 4 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 (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 CAO NU terms, Utrecht University offers a range of schemes for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. Employment conditions can also be tailored through the Terms of Employment Options Model to support personal and professional development. More information: Working at Utrecht University.

About Us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing leading research and inspiring teaching. Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from its core to surface, including human spatial and material utilization – with a focus on sustainability and innovation.

The Faculty has 3,400 students and 720 staff, and is organized into four departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The Department of Physical Geography researches processes, patterns, and dynamics of Earth’s systems, from mountains to seas. We have access to world-class laboratories like Geolab and Earth Simulation Lab, and excellent high-performance computing facilities. Our department hosts an active early career community and organizes a warm welcome for new members.

Utrecht Science Park is easily accessible from the historical city centre by public transport or a 15-minute bicycle ride. Utrecht has canals, cafés, terraces, and diverse shopping opportunities.

More Information

For more information, please contact Madlene Nussbaum at m.nussbaum@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Application Instructions

Please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.
Interviews are on 18 and 19 May 2026; the first round may be online via MS Teams.
Starting date upon mutual agreement.
International applicants must provide BSc and MSc diplomas and gradelists (in English).
Reference letters are not required for initial application; short-listed candidates will be contacted for referees.
International candidates requiring a visa/work permit should allow at least four months for processing, with support from the International Service Desk (ISD).
Housing is the candidate’s responsibility, but ISD can provide advice. For general information on working and living in the Netherlands, consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.

Application deadline: 10 May 2026

Inclusion and Diversity

Utrecht University values staff with diverse backgrounds and identities and strives to create a safe, inclusive environment for all. Knowledge security screening may be part of the selection procedures to prevent unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

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

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