Are you the PhD candidate investigating how industrial wastewater discharge permits can be improved to support water quality goals and sustainable treatment?

The Faculty of Geosciences is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with a background in water resources management, water quality, environmental sciences, water technology or other appropriate fields. You will work on the project “Influence of wastewater discharge permits on future water quality and water treatment” as part of the BlueVantage project, a large project financed by NWO.

Your job

With climate change, rising demand, and pollution threatening water supplies, the BlueVantage project brings the water sector together to develop technical and governance solutions, thereby ensuring a clean water cycle for industry, ecology, and society. By working closely with water companies, innovations are tested in real-life situations. 

At present, large challenges exist in meeting the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) water quality goals due to high pollutant emissions. Industrial emissions are authorized by the water manager, but water treatment at the plant is often not optimized for removal of chemical pollutants. This can lead to serious emissions of chemical pollutants to surface water and indirectly to groundwater, thus standing in the way of meeting the WFD targets and causing problems for water re-use.

In this PhD project we aim to determine and predict the influence of industrial discharge permits on the water quality in the Netherlands. In addition, we will test the efficiency of nature-based treatment solutions in the urban context for industrial wastewater treatment. By better understanding the relationship between industrial discharge permits and (urban) water quality, this project aims to contribute to the development of guidance for the permitting authorities for including (nature-based) treatment in the permitting process. 

Four main steps are envisaged in this project:

An inventory will be made of current industrial discharge permits coupled to modelled and measured water quality data in the Rhine-Meuse rivers and regional water systems in the Netherlands;

Model and measure the chemical composition and toxicity of industrial effluents;

Provide insight into the potential of nature-based treatment technologies for industrial discharges in the urbanized context;

Model water quality under different permitting scenarios. 

A personalised training programme will be set up, reflecting your training needs and career objectives, in the context of the UU Graduate School of Geosciences. 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 (10% of your time).

Your qualities

We welcome a motivated team-player who recognizes themselves in the following profile:

You have completed an MSc degree in environmental sciences, water resources management, water quality, hydrology, water technology, or a related discipline (e.g. biology, chemistry) by the time the position starts. 

Preferably, you will also have:

• Interest in an interdisciplinary project at the boundary of water quality, hydrology, water technology, environmental sciences, and governance
• Strong quantitative methodological skills, for instance knowledge of (spatial) data analysis, modelling, AI-based methods, agent-based modelling;
• Experience with programming languages (e.g. Python, R);
• Practical experience with lab- and/or field-based research;
• Motivation to cooperate in a diverse and multidisciplinary research team;
• Strong social skills;
• Excellent English oral communication and writing skills. 

We highly encourage applicants from all members of our community and of diverse backgrounds to join us.

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 Prof. Dr. Michelle van Vliet at [email protected].

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

You can only apply via our online procedure using the 'apply now' button. E-mail applications cannot be accepted. Please include the following information in your application:

• your curriculum vitae, including any courses taken that are relevant for the position;

• academic credentials (mark sheets and degree statements); 

• a letter of motivation.

We aim for a quick selection procedure after the application deadline of 21 June 2026. The interviews will take place between 13 and 15 July.

If you have an international (non-Dutch) Master’s diploma, you will be requested to provide your Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas as well as the corresponding grade lists (in English) if you are selected for this position.

Note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. This will be arranged with help of the International Service Desk (ISD) of our university. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. Unfortunately, we must warn that it is a tight market at the moment. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.