PhD Researcher in Atmospheric Sciences - Emerging extreme fire weather risks

Are you a meteorologist or climate scientist with a passion to investigate the interactions between climate extremes and wildfire risks? Do you want to work on a research project that aims to understand the most extreme fire weather events possible, and how they will evolve in a warming world? Then this position may be the perfect opportunity for you!

The Meteorology and Air Quality (MAQ) Group at Wageningen University and Research is looking for a PhD candidate with a background in meteorology, atmospheric or climate sciences to work on unprecedented and emerging fire weather risks.

Extreme fire weather, referring to the meteorological component of fire risk that reflects the combined effects of heat, drought, wind, and atmospheric aridity, is one of the key factors influencing wildfire spread and intensity. Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of fire weather extremes across many regions, including the Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes. Therefore, understanding and anticipating the most intense, persistent or otherwise most impactful fire weather conditions plausible today, as well as how these conditions may worsen under future warming, is crucial for fire risk assessment and preparedness. What are worst-case fire weather conditions possible under current climate versus in a warmer world, what atmospheric or climatic mechanisms drive them, and how this relates to actual fire occurrence and behaviour, are all questions that will be addressed within this PhD project. To answer them, you will investigate the most extreme events in the historical record and how they compare to the most extreme events in state-of-the-art climate modelling experiments. 

This project will be supervised by Dr. Laura Suarez-Gutierrez in collaboration with Prof. Guido van der Werf and carried out in the highly multidisciplinary setting of the MAQ group. You will join a thriving, highly collaborative research environment with leading expertise in weather and climate extremes, fire dynamics, and their interactions.

• You hold a MSc degree in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, climate sciences, physics, engineering, or related field;
• You are passionate about understanding climate extremes and fire risks;
• You are enthusiastic and motivated to work on this research project with independence as well as in a collaborative environment
• You are experienced in handling large data sets, for example weather and/or climate model and/or satellite data;
• You have good programming skills (Python, shell scripts, and/or comparable experience);
• Prior knowledge and research experience in weather and climate extremes, fire risk, atmospheric and climate dynamics, and/or climate modelling is valued.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• 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 receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 3.204,- per month rising to € 4.051,-  in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well. 

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. 

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. 

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page 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, dual career programs 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.

For more information about the position, please contact Laura Suarez-Gutierrez, Assistant Professor for Meteorology, Email: laura.suarez@wur.nl
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jessa Rozema, Corporate Recruiter, via jessa.rozema-stol@wur.nl

Ready to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

To apply, please send the following documents (max. 3 pages in total ):

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages);
• Motivation letter (max. 1 page).

The maximum length of the documents must not exceed 3 pages. If it exceeds, applications will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.

You can apply up to and including 30 October 2026. The first round of online interviews with shortlisted candidates will be in the second half of November, and in person (if possible) interviews in December 2026.

Additional information form
For this position, you must fill in a mandatory form which will allow us to have a comprehensive view of your qualifications and better assess your fit for it. You can access the form using the link below:

PhD Researcher in Atmospheric Sciences - Emerging extreme fire weather risks – Fill out form

Your prompt response will ensure that your application continues to move forward in the evaluation process. We assure you that the information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for this application process.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

​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.

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