PhD Position in Earth Sciences

Position Overview

The Department of Earth Sciences is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with an MSc background in:

• Earth Sciences
• Physical Geography
• Hydrogeology
• Physics
• Environmental Engineering
• or a related field

You will work on the project:

“Fine Particles in Shallow Groundwater Systems: Origin, Mobilization, and Particle Clogging in Utrecht ATES Wells”

Project Background

Modern society increasingly depends on groundwater systems for:

• seasonal energy storage
• geothermal energy
• drinking water production
• urban development
• climate change mitigation

In Utrecht, shallow aquifers are widely used for Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES), where seasonal heat is stored in groundwater for heating and cooling buildings.

However, a major challenge exists:

• wells suffer from particle clogging due to fine sediment transport
• clogging reduces efficiency and requires costly regeneration
• prediction of clogging risk is currently unreliable

This project aims to understand why, where, and how clogging occurs, linking sedimentology and groundwater flow dynamics.

What You Will Do

You will investigate the relationship between:

• particle dynamics
• Quaternary geology
• groundwater flow in shallow aquifers

Your work will combine:

• subsurface geological data and mapping of Pleistocene fluvial and glaciofluvial sediments
• column-scale laboratory flow experiments
• numerical modelling of groundwater flow and particle transport
• field-scale testing using existing ATES wells at Utrecht Science Park

Key Research Questions

You will address:

• What is the origin of problematic fine particles, and how do they relate to stratigraphy and depositional history?
• What physical parameters govern particle mobilization and clogging?
• Which geological settings and well designs are most vulnerable, and how can ATES systems be optimized?

Research Goal

The project aims to:

• improve understanding of subsurface particle transport
• support sustainable energy and water storage systems
• optimize well design and reduce maintenance costs
• strengthen decision-making in subsurface engineering

Training and Development

• ~20% of your time is dedicated to training
• includes coursework and workshops
• participation in Bachelor’s and Master’s teaching
• exposure to academia, government, and industry networks
• support for career development in research and applied sectors

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications

You should have:

• MSc degree (completed or near completion before start)
• Strong analytical skills integrating:
  • Programming experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB or similar)
  • field observations
  • experimental data
  • computational modelling
• Experience with:
  • flow-through or column experiments and/or
  • numerical modelling of flow/transport in porous media
• Strong interest in:
  • Motivation for interdisciplinary research with societal relevance
  • hydrogeology
  • Quaternary sedimentology
• Willingness to engage with government and industry stakeholders
• Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with:
  • Experience linking lab experiments with field-scale systems
  • reactive transport modelling
  • particle transport
  • soil–fluid interaction

Employment Conditions

• Full-time position (1.0 FTE)
• Initial contract: 1 year
• Extension: up to 4 years total (after positive evaluation)
• Expected outcome: PhD degree

Salary

€3,059 – €3,881 gross per month (scale P)

Additional benefits:

• 8% holiday allowance
• 8.3% year-end bonus
• pension scheme
• parental leave options
• flexible employment conditions

Additional Utrecht University benefits include:

• professional development programmes
• sports and cultural facilities
• flexible employment options

About the University and Faculty

Utrecht University

Utrecht University is a leading research university focused on:

• Dynamics of Youth
• Institutions for Open Societies
• Life Sciences
• Pathways to Sustainability

Faculty of Geosciences

The faculty studies the Earth system from core to surface, including human interaction with the environment.

It includes four departments:

• Earth Sciences
• Physical Geography
• Human Geography & Spatial Planning
• Sustainable Development

Department of Earth Sciences

The department covers:

• geology
• geochemistry
• geophysics
• biogeology
• hydrogeology

Research themes include:

• Earth & Planetary Processes
• Sustainable Use of the Subsurface
• Planetary Health & Environment
• Climate & Life

Facilities include:

• Electron Microscopy Centre
• Geolab
• Earth Simulation Lab
• High-Performance Computing infrastructure

Location

• Utrecht Science Park, Netherlands
• 15-minute bike ride from Utrecht city centre
• close to canals, cafés, and historic urban areas

Contact

For informal inquiries:

Dr. Thomas Sweijen
Email: T.Sweijen@uu.nl

Application

Applications must be submitted online.

Required documents:

• Motivation letter (including motivation for PhD and department fit)
• CV (including relevant coursework)
• Academic transcripts and degree statements (if available)

Note:

• No reference letters are required at initial stage
• Shortlisted candidates will be asked for referees later

Additional Notes

• International candidates requiring visas should allow at least 4 months processing time
• Housing is the applicant’s responsibility (support may be provided via university services)
• Knowledge security screening may be part of selection