PhD Position in Geosciences

Utrecht University

Institution: Utrecht University – Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development
Faculty: Faculty of Geosciences
Department: Department of Sustainable Development
Hours per week: 36–40
Application deadline: 19 December 2025

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Project Description

• The PhD is part of the EMBRACER project, focusing on climate feedbacks, tipping points, and uncertainties in integrated assessment models (IAMs).
• The candidate will improve the representation of critical feedbacks and tipping points in the MIMOSA model, linking climate dynamics with socio-economic processes.
• Tasks include:
  • Developing an inventory of critical climate feedbacks.
  • Translating feedbacks into model representations.
  • Conducting uncertainty analyses to evaluate impacts on climate pathways.
  • Expanding MIMOSA with a simplified energy system module.
  • Exploring linkages with the IMAGE model.
• The work is embedded in an interdisciplinary team within the EMBRACER programme, collaborating with experts in climate science, systems modelling, and policy analysis.

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Candidate Profile / Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physics, environmental sciences, mathematics, systems science, computational science, or related fields.
• Strong skills in scientific programming and quantitative analysis, preferably in Python.
• Affinity with climate science and/or policy modelling.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Independent, eager to learn, and able to work in an interdisciplinary team.

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Employment Terms

• Initial appointment: 1 year, extendable up to 4 years with successful first-year assessment.
• Goal: Completion of PhD within the employment period.
• Working week: 38 hours
• Salary: €3,059–€3,881 gross per month (scale P, CAO NU)
• Benefits: 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible employment terms.
• Professional development opportunities, sports/cultural activities, and tailored employment conditions via Utrecht University’s Terms of Employment Options Model.

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Application Instructions

Submit:

1. Motivation letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least 2 referees

Application deadline: 19 December 2025
Contact for scientific questions:

• Prof. Dr Detlef van Vuuren – d.p.vanvuuren@uu.nl
• Dr Kaj-Ivar van der Wijst – k.vanderwijst@uu.nl

Application procedure questions: Sophie Ketting – s.j.ketting@uu.nl

Application portal: via Utrecht University recruitment system

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