The Department of Earth Sciences is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with an MSc background in Earth Sciences, Civil or Hydraulic Engineering, or related fields. You will be involved in the DEEP-FLUX project, which investigates the journey of low-density particles to the deep ocean floor, focusing on terrestrial organic carbon and microplastics flux through submarine canyons.

The Role

You will explore over 10,000 submarine canyons that connect continents to the deep ocean, serving as conduits for transporting land-derived materials to the ocean floor via turbidity currents. These currents carry significant amounts of sediment and Particulate Organic Carbon (POC), burying them beneath the ocean floor while also transporting nutrients and oxygenated water that support life in deep-sea environments. However, these canyons also bring land-derived pollutants, such as microplastics and pesticides, into ecologically diverse areas, making them susceptible to human interference.

The DEEP-FLUX project aims to create a new physical framework for quantifying the fluxes of POC and microplastics from land to the ocean floor. The project team will consist of four PhD candidates and the Principal Investigator, Joris Eggenhuisen. Together, they will:

• Conduct scaled-down laboratory experiments to uncover the physical mechanisms of transport and burial of microplastics and POC in currents down submarine canyons.
• Integrate these mechanisms into an existing computer model for sediment flux through submarine canyons.
• Validate the model against monitored submarine canyons.

The PhD position will primarily focus on developing the computer model for flux quantifications and validating it through laboratory experiments.

Training

A personalized training program will be tailored to your needs and career goals, with approximately 20% of your time dedicated to training activities. This includes attending courses and workshops, some of which are mandatory, as well as hands-on training in the department's bachelor’s and master’s programs at Utrecht University.

Your Qualities

We are looking for candidates who are passionate about the research topic, proactive in developing ideas, self-driven, and capable of working independently as well as collaboratively. Applicants should hold an MSc degree in Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, Oceanography, Civil or Hydraulic Engineering, or a related discipline by the time the position starts. Additionally, you should possess:

• Experience in sediment transport modelling
• Coding skills
• A collaborative spirit and commitment to team goals
• Strong written, graphical, and oral communication skills
• Creativity and curiosity

Given the international nature of our research, a good command of spoken and written English is essential. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Our Offer

We offer:

• A full-time position (1.0 FTE) for 1 year, with the possibility of extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment in the first year, with the intent to achieve a doctorate within this timeframe.
• A working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,204 and €4,051 for full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
• 8% holiday pay and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• A pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the employment terms outlined in the CAO NU, Utrecht University provides various schemes for professional development, leave options, and opportunities for sports and cultural activities. You can customize your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model, encouraging ongoing personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About Us

Utrecht University is committed to creating a better future for everyone, motivating our scientists to conduct leading research and provide inspiring teaching. Our various disciplines collaborate intensively on strategic themes, including Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences, and Pathways to Sustainability. Our Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth, focusing on sustainability and innovation, with over 3,400 students and 720 staff.

The Department of Earth Sciences conducts research across a wide range of solid Earth and environmental sciences, with key themes including Earth & Planetary Processes, Sustainable Use of the Subsurface, Planetary Health, and Climate & Life. The department boasts a highly international staff and access to world-class laboratories, including the Electron Microscopy Centre, Geolab, and Earth Simulation Lab, which will be utilized for the DEEP-FLUX project.

About Utrecht

The department is located at Utrecht Science Park, in the fourth largest city in the Netherlands, known for its historical city center and vibrant canals. Utrecht is well-connected to the rest of the country, making it an ideal location for both work and leisure.

More Information

For informal inquiries about this position, please contact Dr. Joris Eggenhuisen at j.t.eggenhuisen@uu.nl.

Apply Now

At Utrecht University, we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels at home. We value diversity and encourage applicants from various backgrounds to join us. For questions about accessibility, the application process, or your work, please reach out via our HR contact page.

Knowledge security screening may be part of the selection process for academic staff to prevent the transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

Please apply via our online procedure using the 'apply now' button. Email applications cannot be accepted. Include your CV and a motivation letter addressing your motivation for pursuing a doctorate, your interest in this specific project, and how you meet the qualifications outlined in this vacancy. Reference letters are not required at this stage. We aim for a swift selection process after the application deadline of October 2, 2026, with the position starting on January 1, 2027. International candidates requiring a visa/work permit should note that processing takes at least four months and will be arranged with the help of the International Service Desk. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your responsibility, but the ISD can provide advice. For general questions about living and working in the Netherlands, consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.