PhD Position in Earth Sciences

Utrecht University

Faculty: Faculty of Geosciences
Department: Department of Earth Sciences
Hours per week: 36–40
Application deadline: 4 January 2026

Job Summary

The Department of Earth Sciences is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with an MSc background in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, or related fields to work on the project: Land-ocean interaction across the K/Pg boundary.

The Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) boundary marks one of the largest mass extinctions in Earth history and major environmental changes. Marine and terrestrial sedimentary records in Spain show sharp and lasting changes following the asteroid impact. This project aims to investigate a land-ocean transect to better constrain the boundary and connect terrestrial and marine environmental changes during early Paleogene ecosystem recovery.

Research questions include:

• Does lithological change coincide with the K/Pg boundary, and what mechanisms caused it?
• How do terrestrial and marine environments recover from the end-Cretaceous mass extinction?

The research will initially focus on magnetostratigraphy and chemostratigraphy for improved age control, followed by optional directions including sedimentology, orbital forcing, and palynology, depending on results and candidate interests.

Training

• Personalized training program tailored to career objectives
• Approximately 20% of time dedicated to training courses/workshops
• Hands-on experience assisting in BSc and MSc programs in the department

Candidate Profile

Applicants should be:

• Motivated, self-driven, creative, and able to work independently and in teams
• Holding an MSc in Earth Sciences, Biology, Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, or related discipline (non-Dutch MSc diplomas may require approval by the Board for Conferral of Doctoral Degrees)

Skills and experience:

• Geological sample processing
• Theoretical background in sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleoclimate
• Statistics and/or coding experience
• Willingness for fieldwork and laboratory work
• Strong written, graphical, and oral communication
• Fluency in English

Our Offer

• Position: 1.0 FTE, initial 1-year contract, extendable to 4 years leading to a PhD
• Working week: 36–40 hours
• Gross monthly salary: €3,059–€3,881 (full-time, salary scale P, CAO NU)
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus
• Pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible terms under CAO NU
• Utrecht University offers additional professional development, leave options, sports and cultural activities, and customizable employment conditions

About Utrecht University

• Multidisciplinary research focused on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences, and Pathways to Sustainability
• Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth and its sustainable use, with 3,400 students and 720 staff
• Department of Earth Sciences covers geology, geochemistry, geophysics, biogeology, hydrogeology, and more
• Stratigraphy & Paleontology group focuses on climate-ocean-lithosphere-biosphere interactions, paleoclimate reconstruction, ecosystem dynamics, evolutionary processes, and geologic time scale refinement
• International, well-equipped research environment with world-class laboratories and high-performance computing facilities

Location: Utrecht Science Park, Utrecht – historical city centre, canals, and excellent transport

More Information

Contact (informal, not for application):

• Dr. Sietske Batenburg: s.j.batenburg@uu.nl

Recruitment: Candidates will be recruited by Utrecht University

Application Instructions

Apply online via the ‘apply now’ button. E-mail applications cannot be accepted.

Required documents:

• Curriculum vitae (including relevant courses)
• Academic credentials (mark sheets and degree statements)
• Motivation letter (including motivation for the PhD and this specific project)

Reference letters: Not required initially; will be requested for short-listed candidates

Start date: 1 March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

Note: International candidates needing a visa/work permit require at least four months processing time. Support will be provided by the International Service Desk (ISD). Housing is the candidate’s responsibility; ISD can provide guidance.

Deadline: 4 January 2026

Apply