3 PhD researchers: coastal aeolian process dynamics (1.0 fte)

Job description
The PhD positions are embedded in the vici project 'Aeolus meets Poseidon: wind-blown sand transport on wave-dominated beaches', funded by the Technology Foundation STW of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research NWO. The overarching aim of the project is to develop a robust, efficient and accurate predictive model, applicable in both scientific and applied studies, of meso-scale (years) supply of beach sand to coastal dunes. The focus is on natural, long (> 1 km), yet uninterrupted, relatively narrow (< 100 m) sandy beaches backed by managed dunes, characteristics that are typical of many of the world’s wave-dominated coasts. Major research challenges are to quantify and understand predictively (1) the temporal and spatial variability in the surface moisture content of beach sand, (2) the subsequent feedback between moisture and aeolian transport, and (3) the temporal and spatial variability in aeolian transport magnitude. PhD 1: moisture dynamics  The main goals are (a) to identify temporal and spatial dynamics in surface moisture, (b) to elucidate their key controls, and (c) to develop a realistic model to predict these dynamics. You will measure surface moisture dynamics using infrared terrestrial laser scanning during a wide range of conditions on a Dutch beach. Simultaneously, you will measure phreatic groundwater levels, vertical moisture profiles next to the ground water wells, and precipitation and various atmospheric parameters to estimate evaporation. This will help to identify the crucial physical processes and to set-up a predictive numerical model for surface moisture dynamics. PhD 2: moisture-transport feedback The main goals are (a) to characterize the frequency, timing and relative magnitude of aeolian transport events and (b) to understand better which key parameters control meso-scale sand supply from narrow beaches. Moisture and aeolian transport interact to form beautiful aeolian bedforms, known as sand strips, which offer a very visual manifestation of aeolian transport. You will base your analyses on an existing 15-year long, high-resolution (hourly) remotely sensed data set of aeolian activity between the shoreline and the foredune. In addition, you will study sand strip dynamics through a cellular automaton model. PhD 3: transport magnitude The main goal is to improve predictions of the aeolian transport rate, including its variation in downwind direction from the location of no transport to the beach-dune transition. You will measure transport intermittency and magnitude using a spatially extensive network of high-frequency saltation sensors, extended with sonic anemometers, sand catchers, a high-speed video camera and a terrestrial laser scanner. We expect you to focus on the role of turbulence in aeolian transport intermittency and magnitude. The measurements will be conducted during the same field experiments as mentioned under PhD 1. The 3 PhD students are expected to work as a team but each PhD topic can be investigated on its own. A postdoctoral researcher and the main supervisor, Prof Dr Gerben Ruessink, will use the results of the 3 PhD projects to develop the meso-scale sand supply model and to apply it in a number of Dutch dune-restoration and coastal-safety projects. The position of postdoctoral researcher will be advertised separately at a later date.
Qualifications
We seek highly motivated candidates with: • MSc degree in Physical Geography, Earth Surface Dynamics, Hydrology, Coastal Engineering, or a closely related discipline; • strong motivation for PhD research; • profound knowledge of one (or more) of the following research fields: nearshore processes, coastal hydrology, soil erosion, remote sensing, aeolian process dynamics; • experience in setting up field experiments, in analysing field or remotely sensed data, and/or in numerical modelling; • knowledge of Matlab is of advantage. You should be proficient in English, have excellent scientific writing, planning and communication skills, and be an enthusiastic team player.
Offer
Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities. You are offered a 12-month fulltime position with – at good performance – the prospect of a phased extension with a maximum of 36 months (in total 4 years fulltime). The salary starts with € 2,083.- gross per month in the first year and increases to € 2,664.- gross per month in the fourth year of employment at fulltime appointment. The salary is supplemented by a holiday allowance of 8% per year and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. The extent of these positions is 38 hours per week (1.0 fte). In addition, we offer a pension scheme, collective insurance schemes and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). Facilities for sports and child care are available on our main campus, which is located only 15 minutes away from the historical city center of Utrecht. More information: terms of employment.  You will participate in the Graduate School of Geosciences at Utrecht University and will be able to follow relevant courses. An annual teaching load of up to 10% of the time will be expected, including the supervision of Bachelor and/or Master students.
About the organisation
Utrecht University has great ambitions for its teaching quality and study success rates. This also applies to its clear research profiles which are centred on four themes: Sustainability, Life Sciences, Youth & Identity, and Institutions. Utrecht University plays a prominent role in our society and contributes to finding the answers to topical and future societal issues. The Faculty of Geosciences offers education and research concerning the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and anthroposphere. With a population of 2,600 students (BSc and MSc) and 600 staff, the Faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty is organised in four Departments: Innovation, Environmental & Energy Sciences, Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, and Human Geography & Urban & Regional Planning. Find further information concerning thefaculty and general information about Utrecht University. The mission of the department Physical Geography is to excel in scientific research and education at the BSc, MSc, and PhD level. DPG is at the forefront of research in Earth and Sustainability. Our expertise is on physical processes, patterns and dynamics of Earth’s continental and coastal systems, and the interaction between these processes and their relations to biotic factors, including humanity. The Department of Physical Geography comprises about seventy employed and affiliated academic scientists, among which are more than thirty PhD candidates and Postdocs. Find information concerning our coastal research.
Additional information
Additional information can be obtained from Prof Dr Gerben Ruessink b.g.ruessink@uu.nl or www.uu.nl/staff/bgruessink.
Apply
Applications, including a letter of motivation, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and contact information of two referees, should be submitted via the application button below. Please specify which position you prefer (PhD1, PhD2 or PhD3)
The application deadline is
18/04/2014 To apply visit http://ssl1.peoplexs.com/Peoplexs22/CandidatesPortalNoLogin/Vacancy.cfm?PortalID=4124&VacatureID=636808