PhD position in practical implementation of nature-based solutions

This PhD project will tackle the pressing challenge of creating and adapting climate-resilient coastal zones through nature-based solutions (NbS). As sea levels rise and coastal areas sink, traditional flood defenses are no longer enough.

Your job

To have successful NbS projects (specifically sediment based NbS – such as sedimentation enhancing strategies), we need to identify and overcome major practical challenges in their implementation. This includes the physical capabilities of NbS to create and maintain new land and ecosystems, the usability of these new areas for different purposes, possibilities for integration with existing grey infrastructure and how NbS projects are practically implemented with stakeholders (including successes and challenges).

You will explore critical challenges faced by NbS namely: 1) delivery of sediment and spatial patterns of sedimentation, 2) quality of sediment delivered and possibilities for other land uses, 3) synergy with existing infrastructure and 4) social acceptance of NbS.

The types of NbS considered are salt marshes, tidal mudflats, and retention basins, which have the capacity to create land, buffer flooding, and store water while delivering ecological and societal benefits. Examples include the Rammegors wetland, the Perkpolder and Wisselpolders.

Your research will focus on understanding the role of extreme events in shaping coastal landscapes, including the importance of storm delivered sediment in annual land building and whether storm surge barriers can hinder or enhance this process.

It will further assess the quality and suitability of deposited sediments, which are hypothesized to preferentially trap macro and micro plastics and heavy metals – potentially making them unsuitable areas for long-term habitat development or too low soil quality for agricultural land.

The project will investigate how NbS can integrate with existing infrastructure like storm surge barriers. Can these projects reduce the pressure on existing infrastructure? Can they work in synergy or are there trade-offs in terms of hydro and morpho dynamics?

Finally, after physical conditions have been consider, you will evaluate the social feasibility of implementing solutions in real-world settings, working closely with partners like the Delta Climate Center and local stakeholders.

Methods will include fieldwork and analysis of sampled data, experiments at the Metronome (our world-renowned tilting tidal flume at Utrecht University) and stakeholder workshops.

We also aim to set up a citizen science project in collaboration with colleagues at the Hogeschool Zeeland to monitor storm-driven sediment delivery as part of the project.

Your responsibilities:

• Conducting fieldwork, lab analyses, and experiments to study sediment dynamics and NbS effectiveness.
• Develop models and maps to assess the suitability and impact of NbS in coastal zones.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand social acceptance and long-term feasibility.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and contribute 10% of your time to teaching.

The project will have close links to Delta-Enigma, the Delta Climate Center and ongoing research on storm surge barrier feasibility.

Your qualities

Background

• An interest in coastal geomorphology, sediment-water-nature processes.
• A relevant Master’s degree in coastal geomorphology, environmental engineering, sedimentology, hydrology, earth sciences, environmental science, civil engineering, physical geography, environmental governance.

Required skills

• Planning and undertaking fieldwork.
• Experience working with field sampling/monitoring/labwork/experiments.
• Experience with GIS mapping.
• Basic data analysis skills in R/Python/Excel.
• Strong communication skills.
• Skills and interest to engage effectively with different groups (policy, stakeholders etc.)
• Problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently as part of a interdisciplinary research team.
• Excellent skills in writing and speaking English (C1 level).

Useful additional skills

• Interest in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research.
• Interest in integrating natural and social sciences approaches for holistic solutions.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement.
• An interest in citizen science.

Our offer

We offer:

• a position (1.0 FTE) for 1 year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Jana Cox at j.r.cox@uu.nl

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

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To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation and (if completed) a copy of your MSc thesis, via the 'apply now' button.

The first round of interviews will take place on September 10th and 11th – hybrid or fully online interviews are accommodated.