PhD Scholarship: Groundwater Models: The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on integrating distributed fiber-optic sensing and local direct groundwater flux measurements into groundwater flow models. This research aims to reduce uncertainties in groundwater modeling related to climate change and groundwater drought resilience.
PhD Scholarship: Integration of Flux Measurements in Groundwater Models
Designation
PhD Student – Integration of Flux Measurements in Groundwater Models
Research Area
Groundwater Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Engineering
Location
Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium
Eligibility/Qualification
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Bio-Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geology, Geography, Agricultural Engineering, Hydrology, Earth Sciences, or an equivalent qualification recognized by competent authorities. Candidates who have not yet acquired their master’s degree may also apply. |
| Skills | Interest in hydrogeology and groundwater modeling; experience with MODFLOW; proficiency in Python programming; good knowledge of statistics; experience with FloPy is a plus. |
| Language | Fluency in English; knowledge of Dutch is an advantage. |
| Experience | Candidates should not have performed any work as an assistant for more than 12 months. |
| Residency | Must meet conditions for obtaining a valid permit for VUB, applicable for both EEA and non-EEA nationals. |
Description
The research involves field measurement and geostatistical analysis of groundwater fluxes, transient 3D groundwater modeling, and integration of flux measurements for uncertainty quantification in groundwater models. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Marijke Huysmans and co-supervised by Lara Speijer, collaborating with the Brussels Photonics B-PHOT research group to bridge photonics-based sensing and hydro-environmental applications.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct field measurements and analyze groundwater fluxes.
- Develop and run transient 3D groundwater models.
- Integrate measurements in uncertainty quantification for groundwater models.
- Present findings at international conferences and publish results in scientific journals.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents via jobs.vub.be:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Diploma (not applicable for VUB alumni)
Application Process:
- Initial selection based on application file.
- Job interview for shortlisted candidates.
Last Date to Apply
March 20, 2026
This scholarship offers an opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research while working in an open, supportive, and diverse environment at VUB, emphasizing work-life balance and professional growth.
