PhD: Land-surface modelling of mountain hydrological processes Himalaya

Position: PhD: Land-surface modelling of mountain hydrological processes in the Himalaya
PhD:
Land-surface modelling of mountain hydrological processes in the Himalaya  Much of the freshwater sustaining human societies is generated in the mountains: the mountain cryosphere (frozen water in snow, glaciers and permafrost) supports almost a third of the global population for irrigation, drinking, industry and the environment, and this dependance is set to increase. Understanding the mountain processes that shape global water availability is a key missing link to address sustainable water use.
At the same time, this crucial resource is undergoing unprecedented changes, with precipitation patterns changing, glaciers shrinking and snowpacks decreasing globally. These changes may happen abruptly and in a non-linear way and the aim of the overall project is to understand these abrupt changes in mountain ranges all over the world.
As a PhD you will focus on the Himalaya, and you will combine detailed land-surface modelling with field observations and remote sensing to quantify and understand the impact of these non-linear changes on the mountain water cycle. Your outputs will be used by other project collaborators to train a global scale physics-informed AI model to develop a global scale reanalysis of mountain water resources, which will allow us to better understand the large-scale impacts of these changes for global water supply.
A personalised training programme will be set up, reflecting your training needs and career objectives. About 20% of your time will be dedicated to this training component, which includes training on the job in assisting in the Bachelor and Master programmes of the department at Utrecht University.
We welcome a motivated team-player who recognizes themselves in the following description:
You have completed an MSc degree in (eco) hydrology, earth system science, computer science, atmospheric science, agroecology or a related discipline by the time the position starts.
Preferably, you will also have:
Interest in land-surface and/or hydrological modelling
Hydrological background
Strong quantitative methodological skills, for instance knowledge of (spatial) data analysis, hydrological modelling, AI-based methods

Experience with programming languages (e.g. Python)
Motivation to cooperate in a diverse and multidisciplinary research team
Strong social and communication skills
Due to the international character of our research, good command of spoken and written English is essential. We highly encourage applicants from all members of our community and of diverse backgrounds to join us.
Our offer  We offer:
a position 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 .

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