PhD position: Water-Mediated Cooling of European Cities and Citizens

About the Role

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position within the Horizon Europe Innovation Action Project EUROASIS (EUROpean Adaptive, Systemic and Inclusive Solutions for heat resilience). This role focuses on assessing whether innovative cooling interventions piloted in EUROASIS pilot cities can be effectively transferred to replicator cities and regions across Europe’s diverse hydroclimates.

As a PhD candidate, you will model the urban water-energy balance underlying evapotranspirative cooling, investigating how greening and water features influence hydrometeorological conditions and translate into reduced heat-health risk using temperature- and humidity-based heat indices. You will simulate these effects in replicator cities, validate them against field measurements in a subset, and quantify the water demand required to sustain cooling under extreme heat conditions. Your work will directly lead to international peer-reviewed journal papers and foundational project deliverables.

Your Profile

• Experience in land-surface, (hydro)meteorological, hydrological, or urban climate modelling (e.g. RANS, LES) – or strong motivation to acquire these skills during the PhD.
• Affinity with surface energy/water balance, evapotranspiration, thermal comfort, and heat-health interactions.
• Solid programming and data analysis skills (e.g., Python, R, GIS).
• Good organisational and communication skills.
• English language proficiency at C1 level (an internationally recognised certificate may be required).

Work Environment

You will be based in the Hydrology and Environment Hydraulics (HWM) chair group, led by Prof. Martine van der Ploeg. Daily supervision will be provided by Dr. Dragan Milosevic and Dr. Ryan Teuling. The group focuses on improved understanding of catchment-scale hydrological processes through advanced measurement, modelling, and assimilation techniques.

What We Offer

• Salary: €3,059 per month (year 1) rising to €3,881 per month (year 4), according to CAO-NU scale P (full-time, 38 hours/week).
• Contract: Initial temporary contract for 18 months, extended to 4 years upon satisfactory performance. Intended start date: 1 October 2026.
• Benefits: Excellent pension scheme, tailored course program, support for personal and professional development.
• International support: Assistance with visa applications, housing, bank accounts, dual career programs, and schooling. Eligible international staff may receive a partial tax exemption for the first five years in the Netherlands.
• Working environment: The greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, with an international and open atmosphere.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the WUR online application system. Only applications submitted through the official vacancy page will be considered.

Please prepare the following documents (maximum 3 pages total):

• A motivation letter (maximum 1 page).
• A mandatory additional information form (access provided via the vacancy link).

Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required at this stage and will not be considered.

Application deadline: 10 August 2026.

Contact

For more information about the position, contact Dr. Dragan Milosevic (assistant professor of urban hydrometeorology) at [email protected] or +31 6 24585024. For procedural questions, contact Jessa Rozema (Corporate Recruiter) at [email protected].

Diversity and Inclusion

Wageningen University & Research values diversity and inclusion, ensuring a workplace where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated—regardless of background, identity, or experience.

Original vacancy