Your job
Are you interested in tackling the global plastic pollution crisis through science? Do you want to develop and improve forecasting models to support design and implementation of reduction measures? Are you motivated to work on impact-oriented research in an emerging field with high societal relevance? We are looking for a highly motivated EngD researcher to join our team (2 years, full-time, fully funded) at the Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics Group at Wageningen University.
Plastic pollution has become a worldwide problem. Rivers play a crucial role in the transport of land-based plastic pollution towards the ocean. Moreover, large amounts of plastic are retained in and around rivers. Accurate assessments of the current and future state of plastic pollution in rivers are crucial in finding ways to realize effective reduction. In this project, we aim to develop a practical model to forecast river plastic pollution transport and quantify the impact of potential solutions.
In this EngD research project you will develop a new modeling tool to quantify plastic pollution in river systems, including input, transport, and export into the ocean. You will build on existing models (reference 1, reference 2), and focus on improving the temporal and spatial resolution. The model aims to estimate the impact of potential reduction strategies to support decision-makers. Furthermore, you will aim to better account for and quantify uncertainties in forecasts of current and future plastic pollution levels. The project has a primary focus on the Dutch Rhine-Meuse Delta, and other user cases in Germany, Latvia, Norway, and the UK. However, we aim to develop a modeling tool that can be widely applied across Europe and beyond.
For this position, we are looking for an enthusiastic candidate who has a background in Earth science, Environmental science, (environmental) hydraulics, or (civil/environmental) engineering. Prior experience with modeling water systems (for example hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, sediment) is highly preferable. Experience in coding skills is highly preferable. The project is a collaborative effort, and you will be part of the larger European project Tools4CleanBANOS, and work together with twenty partners from practice, government, and academia.
As an EngD candidate in our group, you will join the EngD program of Wageningen University. The EngD program includes an educational component focused on academic research and design, and a design assignment. Successful completion leads to an Engineering Doctorate (EngD).
Your duties and responsibilities include:
- Developing your own project proposal, based on the Tools4CleanBANOS project
- Developing the conceptual and numerical model to forecast river plastic pollution, and model the impacts of different intervention solutions and scenarios
- Taking part in (international) workshops and conferences, and engaging in the organization of activities related to the project
- Preparing two deliverables for the Tools4CleanBANOS project, which can be used for the EngD thesis
- Engaging actively in the activities and collaborations of the research team within WUR and the Tools4CleanBANOS project
Your team
Your project is embedded in a broader research line of the River Plastic Team on plastic transport in rivers and estuaries around the world, and you are expected to collaborate with other team members on related topics.
You will work here
Your PhD research will be embedded within the Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics Group, where a lot of research is done on plastic and sediment transport in rivers and estuaries. The group has a strong (international) network with academic and societal partners that will benefit your PhD research. You will be supervised by dr.ir. Tim van Emmerik, dr.ir. Silke Tas and prof.dr.ir. Martine van der Ploeg.
Your qualities
You have:
- A completed (or about to completed) MSc degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Earth Sciences, (Environmental) Hydraulics, Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, or similar;
- Passion to work on an emerging research topic with high societal relevance;
- Demonstrated enthusiasm and experience with modelling water systems, such as hydrological, hydraulic, sediment, or water quality models
- Demonstrated enthusiasm and proficiency in working with (complex) observational and model datasets
- Preferably some experience with (plastic) pollution or sediment transport in water systems
- Preferably experience with modeling water systems (for example hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, sediment)
- Good organizational and communication skills
- Enthusiasm and ability to communicate research results in technical reports and/or academic journals
You also possess:
- Affinity to collaborate with partners in the Netherlands and across Europe
- Experience in coding skills (e.g. Python, R, Matlab) or willingness to learn coding are highly preferable
- A mix of a team player mentality and ability to work independently
- Excellent proficiency in written and spoken English (language level C2). Proficiency in Dutch is not required, but will be encouraged to develop.
- The entry requirements of the WUR EngD program
We offer
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
- working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
- there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer a gross salary of €3.029,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale TOIO). Additionally, a contract for 0,7 FTE can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended – if possible within (company) organizational circumstances – on good performance.
Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research’s International Communitypage contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
Important information
For more information about the position, please contact Dr.ir. Tim van Emmerik, Associate professor, tim.vanemmerik@wur.nl
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jessa Rozema, Corporate Recruiter, via Jessa.rozema-stol@wur.nl
Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
For your application, please upload:
- motivation letter (max 1 page). Please elaborate on:
- your motivation to do a EngD;
- your motivation for this project;
- why you are a suitable candidate (with examples).
- CV (max 2 page) only.
Other documents will not be reviewed.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including 21 August 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we will give extra consideration to applications submitted by 4 August 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 4 August 2026.
Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date.
We will organize two interview rounds. The first round is scheduled on 31 August, 1 and 2 September 2026. The second round is scheduled on 14 and 16 September 2026. The intended starting date is November 2026.
We are
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.
