Assistant Professor of Geography

Utrecht University

Faculty:
Faculty of Geosciences

Department:
Department of Physical Geography

Hours per week:
32 to 40

Application deadline:
7 June 2026

Your job

Imminent and future climate change with increasing hydroclimatic extremes, combined with socio-economic developments are placing unprecedented pressure on both the quantity and quality of water resources globally. These pressures increase clean water scarcity and related threats to aquatic ecosystems, water, food and energy security, ultimately undermining planetary health. Geopolitical tensions and conflicts risk amplifying these vulnerabilities even further. To address escalating risks, it is imperative that we account for the full set of interactions between water availability, water quality, and human/ecosystem response interactions. This requires development of quantitative assessment frameworks and models to quantify these system interactions. By integrating these dynamics into future water-system pathways we can identify effective management strategies and solution options to safeguard our natural freshwater resources and improve planetary health.

The Department of Physical Geography at Utrecht University (DPG-UU) is seeking an Assistant Professor in the quantitative assessment and modelling of large-scale water quality and water resources in the context of planetary health research (focussing on ecosystem/human health). DPG-UU envisions that the candidate for this position will develop her/his own research line building on our large-scale high-resolution water quality and water resources models. The new research line combines large-scale (clean) water system understanding with integrated impact assessment of planetary health and clean water system adaptation. This interdisciplinary field will combine quantitative hydrological and water quality modelling, assessment of human and/or ecosystem health impacts and development of pathways towards healthier systems. Here you can build on modelling expertise available in Water Quality and Sustainable Water Systems group and other research groups within DPG-UU.

The candidate will develop and be involved in funding applications from national and European science agencies, and will be uniquely positioned to teach in courses on Earth Sciences, Hydrology and Planetary Health at Bachelor’s or Master’s level. You will also supervise individual Bachelor's, Master's and PhD projects.

Your qualities

The successful candidate:

• has a PhD in hydrology, water resources research, environmental sciences, planetary health, civil engineering, (hydro)ecology, environmental engineering, or related fields;
• has proven knowledge and a scientific track record supported with peer-reviewed publications in the field of quantitative assessments of water resources quality (e.g. process-based modelling or physics informed AI) and preferably experience with planetary health assessments;
• shows a willingness to integrate insights from water quality-quantity interactions represented by large-scale hydrological and water resources models of our department with quantitative assessment frameworks to study pathways to planetary health;
• has proven experience in academic teaching and eagerness to use insights and outcomes of her/his research in water-related courses in our BSc and MSc program;
• is enthusiastic about performing research with impact by actively seeking contact and dialogues with stakeholders, journalists and the general public;
• is capable to setup her/his own distinct research line in the field with the successful acquisition of research projects;
• is sensitive to the fact that successful and impactful research is a team effort;
• has excellent oral communication and writing skills.

Our offer

• a position (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) for 18 months. After a positive evaluation the position will be made permanent;
• a working week of 32 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 4.728 and €6.433 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 11 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 employment conditions from the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. These include agreements on professional development, leave arrangements, sports and cultural schemes and you get discounts on software and other IT products. We offer free language courses to learn Dutch. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment through the Employment Conditions Selection Model. We encourage you to grow and to support a work life balance. That’s why UU offers excellent arrangements.

We believe in a balance between individual and collective achievements. That’s why we assess both individual and team performances. We stimulate inclusive academic leadership at all levels and encourage sharing results of scientific research with society so that the social contribution of the university also grows.

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.

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Michelle van Vliet at m.t.h.vanvliet@uu.nl.

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. Unfortunately, we must warn that it is a tight market at the moment. 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

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.

If you have an international (non-Dutch) Master’s diploma, you will be requested to provide your Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas as well as the corresponding grade lists (in English) if you are selected for this position.

A valid Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required for this position. This will be requested as part of the application process.

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.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, URLs to the three most relevant publications and contact details of three referees via the 'apply now' button.

The first round of interviews will take place on 23 or 24 June 2026.

The application deadline is 7 June 2026.