PhD position in modelling the formation and flooding of coastal peat landscapes
Investigate Holocene coastal peat landscape evolution using numerical models within an interdisciplinary delta research project.
Best for:Ideal for earth‑science graduates with strong numerical modelling, programming and coastal sediment dynamics experience.
Overview
The PhD project is part of the Re‑Flex Zeeland interdisciplinary programme, coordinated by Wageningen University & Research together with Utrecht University, NIOZ and the Delta Climate Center. The candidate will develop and calibrate coupled hydrodynamic‑sediment‑vegetation models (e.g., Delft3D) to reconstruct how peat landscapes formed and were flooded during the Holocene. Geological and paleo‑tidal records will be transformed into model boundary conditions and the simulated evolution will be validated against existing paleo‑data. The work includes publishing in peer‑reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, and supervising BSc/MSc students during field excursions in Zeeland. Successful completion leads to a PhD degree.
What you'll do
- Develop, calibrate and evaluate coupled numerical models of hydrodynamics, sediment transport, morphology and vegetation.
- Convert geological and paleo‑tidal reconstructions into model boundary conditions and configurations.
- Design and run numerical experiments to study formation and flooding of coastal peat landscapes.
- Collaborate with researchers at Wageningen University, Utrecht University, NIOZ and the Delta Climate Center.
- Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences.
- Supervise BSc and MSc thesis projects and participate in field excursions in Zeeland.
- Complete a PhD dissertation based on the research outcomes.
Requirements
Degree required: MSc in Earth Sciences, Hydraulic or Coastal Engineering, Physical Oceanography, Physical Geography, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English at C1 level; an internationally recognised English proficiency certificate may be required
Instruction: English
- Strong background in hydrodynamics, morphodynamics or sediment transport
- Experience with numerical modelling (e.g., Delft3D)
- Programming proficiency in Python, MATLAB or similar languages
- Ability to handle spatial or time‑series data sets
- Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills
- Capacity to work independently and within an interdisciplinary team
- Willingness to work regularly in both Wageningen and Vlissingen
- Open to candidates of any nationality
- Must hold a completed MSc degree
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-25
Prepare a CV, a motivation letter, transcripts and any required English proficiency proof. Submit the complete application through the university's online recruitment portal before the deadline. Ensure that all documents are uploaded in the requested format.
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