Project Overview
About the Position
Utrecht University invites applications for a PhD position reconstructing the historic landscape developments of Zeeland, the Dutch delta province shaped by centuries of floods, land reclamation and coastal engineering. The project integrates historical-geographical sources, cartographic material and landscape data to reconstruct how Zeeland's land and water systems evolved over the centuries.
The doctoral candidate will work with archive material, historic maps and digital landscape datasets to build reconstructions that inform both academic debate and present-day landscape management in the delta. The position is embedded in the university's environmental history and geosciences environment and is a salaried four-year track under the CAO-NU collective agreement.
Candidate Profile
Applicants hold a research master's in historical geography, environmental history, physical geography or a related field, with demonstrable skills in working with historic sources and spatial data. Affinity with GIS-based reconstruction methods is important. The working language is English; reading proficiency in Dutch is required for archival sources, and the supervisory team spans historical geography and physical landscape research.
Highlights
- Historical-geographical reconstruction of the Zeeland delta
- Use of archival sources and historic cartography
- GIS-based landscape reconstruction methods
- Flood history, reclamation and coastal engineering
- Research informing present-day delta management
- Salaried four-year PhD under the CAO-NU agreement
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | PhD fellowship / salaried position |
| Stipend / salary | EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month (CAO-NU PhD scale) |
| Duration | Four years |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | Research master's in historical geography, environmental history or physical geography; Dutch reading proficiency |
| Language | English proficiency required; Dutch reading proficiency for archival sources |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | 1 November 2026 |
| Location | Utrecht, Netherlands |
About Utrecht University
Utrecht University is a leading Dutch research university, consistently ranked among the top institutions in Europe. Its research and teaching span four faculties and a broad range of strategic themes, including sustainability, dynamics of youth, institutions for open societies and life sciences. PhD candidates and postdocs in the Netherlands are salaried staff members with full employment benefits under the CAO-NU collective agreement, so advertised positions are fully funded. Academic and support vacancies are published on the university's working-at portal, with clear deadlines and application instructions per position.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 1 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 1 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- PhD Interview Preparation: Research Questions and Clear Answers
- A 12-Month Study Abroad Application Plan for Master's and PhD Applicants
Official Link
https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/working-at-utrecht-university/jobs/phd-reconstructing-zeelands-historic-landscape-developments
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for PhD: Reconstructing Zeeland's Historic Landscape Developments - Utrecht University, Netherlands?
The application deadline is 2 November 2026 (1 November 2026). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Amsterdam time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Amsterdam but gives no clock time.
Is PhD: Reconstructing Zeeland's Historic Landscape Developments - Utrecht University, Netherlands fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month (CAO-NU PhD scale).
Who is eligible to apply for PhD: Reconstructing Zeeland's Historic Landscape Developments - Utrecht University, Netherlands?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Netherlands. Applications are assessed by Utrecht University.
How do I apply for PhD: Reconstructing Zeeland's Historic Landscape Developments - Utrecht University, Netherlands?
Applications for PhD: Reconstructing Zeeland's Historic Landscape Developments - Utrecht University, Netherlands are submitted directly to Utrecht University through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for PhD: Reconstructing Zeeland's Historic Landscape Developments - Utrecht University, Netherlands?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Netherlands are published by the provider.
What study level does PhD: Reconstructing Zeeland's Historic Landscape Developments - Utrecht University, Netherlands offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
Utrecht University
Utrecht University is a leading Dutch research university, consistently ranked among the top institutions in Europe. Its research and teaching span four faculties and a broad range of strategic themes, including sustainability, dynamics of youth, institutions for open societies and life sciences. PhD candidates and postdocs in the Netherlands are salaried staff members with full employment benefits under the CAO-NU collective agreement, so advertised positions are fully funded. Academic and support vacancies are published on the university's working-at portal, with clear deadlines and application instructions per position.
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