项目介绍
Function
Do you have a MSc in hydrological sciences, environmental sciences, physical geography with knowledge of hydrology, water resources management, or a closely related field? Are you interested in the hydrological function and modelling (subsurface, groundwater, surface water) of the Hindon subcatchment of the Ganges river (India). Then this could be the perfect PhD position for you!
This PhD position is part of the research project Changing the fate of the Hindon river by evaluating the impact of agriculture on the water balance – Developing a template for a cleaner Ganga river, financed by the Dutch Research Council NWO. The project is a collaboration between two Dutch universities (Utrecht University and Wageningen University and Research), Wageningen Environmental Research (WEnR), Deltares, and several Indian institutes. During thjs PhD project you will:
1) Understand and model how management of cropping systems (crop types, cropping cycles, crop water use, irrigation) affects groundwater recharge and baseflow in the current and future climate;
2) Co-develop a crop-hydrology-groundwater modelling framework (largely existing) in collaboration with WEnR, Deltares, UU and Indian partners;
3) Identify and assess sustainable agriculture management practices that will increase groundwater recharge, baseflow and surface water quality in the current and future climate.
The project aims at providing scientific understanding on the hydrological functioning of, and the impact of agricultural water management on, the Hindon subbasin of the Ganges river. The PhD candidate at Wageningen University will work on obtaining improved understanding of agricultural groundwater recharge, surface and subsurface water quantity and quality. Usage will be made of a coupled agricultural crop model, a catchment scale hydrological model and a groundwater flow model, to enable assessment of current and alternative crop usage as well as the role of climate change. The PhD at Utrecht University will work on integrated water systems analysis to understand the spatio-temporal relations between surface water and groundwater quantity and quality. The results from these subprojects will be integrated in a comprehensive modelling platform, enabling evaluation of the impact of future socio-economy and climate changes, that serves as the scientific basis for stakeholder discussions on sustainable future water management and agricultural practices.
Function Requirements
- a Master’s degree in hydrological sciences, environmental sciences, physical geography with knowledge of hydrology, water resources management, or a closely related field (e.g. physics).
- a strong affinity with numerical modelling, scientific programming with for example Python, Julia, Java, etc. as well as the ability to apply hydrological system analysis thinking.
- capable of undertaking fieldwork in at times challenging circumstances.
- strong communication skills, able to work in a multi-cultural team of scientists and able to demonstrate English language proficiency.
- capable of undertaking fieldwork in at times challenging circumstances.
- strong communication skills, able to work in a multi-cultural team of scientists
- excellent English language proficiency (a minimum of CEFR C2 level). For more information about this proficiency level, please visit our special language page
Working conditions
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- study leave and partially paid parental leave
- working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
- the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
- there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.The gross salary for the first year is € 2.443,- per month rising to € 3.122,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.
There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.
You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “ Best University ” in the Netherlands for the 17th consecutive time.
