PhD Position in River Basin Hydrology: Climate Change & Hydrological Extremes

About the role

Climate change is altering the magnitude and timing of precipitation and atmospheric water demand, affecting soil moisture, groundwater dynamics, and streamflow. These changes also trigger cascading effects on vegetation, which in turn regulates evapotranspiration and can amplify or moderate the direct hydrological impacts. Current hydrological models do not account for these feedbacks, limiting our ability to predict floods, droughts, and seasonal water supply. This PhD project will address these gaps by focusing on the Rhine-Meuse river basin.

The research has three main objectives:

• Quantify natural vegetation adaptation to a changing climate.
• Further develop the wFlow-SBM hydrological model to incorporate time-variable vegetation parametrization.
• Use the enhanced model to analyse how changing vegetation affects predictions of soil moisture, groundwater, and streamflow under climate change in the Rhine-Meuse system.

You will collaborate closely with Rijkswaterstaat (RWS, Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) and Deltares. At TU Delft you will be hosted by the Water Management Department in the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, under the supervision of Prof. Markus Hrachowitz. The position involves working four days per week at TU Delft in Delft and one day per week at the Rijkswaterstaat Watermanagement Center in Lelystad.

Job requirements

• An MSc degree in Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Excellent computer programming and GIS skills.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English (Dutch is an advantage).
• Demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary approaches linking plant physiology, soil science, and geology to hydrology.

What we offer

Doctoral candidates receive a 4-year employment period, structured as two contracts: an initial 1.5-year contract with a go/no-go assessment within 15 months, followed by a 2.5-year contract upon satisfactory performance. Salary and benefits follow the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• Gross monthly salary: €3,059 in the first year, increasing to €3,881 in the fourth year (based on a full-time contract of 38 hours per week).
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Enrolment in the TU Delft Graduate School, offering a stimulating research environment, mentoring, and a Doctoral Education Programme to develop transferable, discipline-related, and research skills.
• A customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Relocation support through the Coming to Delft Service, including a Dual Career Programme for accompanying partners.

About TU Delft and the Faculty

TU Delft is a leading international university that combines scientific curiosity with a drive for societal impact. The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) focuses on civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. The faculty comprises 28 research groups across seven departments, including Water Management. CEG is committed to open science and works closely with research institutions to address challenges such as climate change, energy transition, and urbanisation.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by 9 August 2026 via the online application system. Please upload the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
• Copies of your MSc degree and transcripts

Address your application to Prof. Markus Hrachowitz. A PhD at TU Delft requires a sufficient level of English proficiency to communicate, interact, participate in doctoral courses, and write scientific articles and the thesis. Please note that applications sent by email or post will not be processed.

As part of knowledge security regulations, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment process, based on information provided by candidates. This assessment takes place at the final stages of selection. Processing of personal data for this purpose is carried out under the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest.

Original vacancy