July 2026 – call for 1 PhD position
Integrated study of groundwater resources and social dynamics in the Senegal–Mauritanian transboundary Basin
Available Positions: 1 position with scholarship
Academic Supervisor: Prof. Viviana Re – viviana.re@unipi.it
Duty station: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa
Project Description
The PhD project will focus on the integrated study of groundwater resources within the Senegal–Mauritanian Aquifer Basin (BASM), with particular emphasis on the interactions among hydrogeological processes, environmental change, and socio-economic dynamics influencing groundwater use and management in a transboundary context.
The successful candidate will contribute to the quantitative and qualitative characterization of groundwater resources through the collection and analysis of hydrogeological, hydrochemical, and isotopic data. These activities will be integrated with participatory and socio-hydrogeological approaches aimed at understanding resource-use practices, decision-making processes, and the challenges associated with water governance. The project will be developed within a strongly interdisciplinary framework and may be tailored to the candidate’s specific expertise and research interests.
Candidates with a background in hydrogeology, environmental geochemistry, hydrochemistry, and water resources management are particularly encouraged to apply. Familiarity with quantitative methods for environmental data analysis will be highly valued. Previous experience in international cooperation, interdisciplinary research, and the application of participatory methodologies will be considered an asset, as will familiarity with the study regions addressed by the project.
The candidate will participate in field campaigns and research activities in the BASM, working in close collaboration with academic institutions and local partners involved in the project. Activities will include the collection of hydrogeological, hydrogeochemical, and socio-hydrogeological data in the field, as well as the analysis of samples and datasets at the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Pisa and at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD, Senegal).
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- The ability to work independently and proactively;
- Willingness to undertake fieldwork in international and multicultural environments;
- Excellent proficiency in English.
- Knowledge of French will be considered an asset.
Project funded by: SOSTENERE Project – Technical Support for the Implementation of Transboundary Cooperation for the Sustainable and Resilient Management of the Senegal–Mauritanian Aquifer Basin (BASM)
This PhD project is embedded within the activities of the SOSTENERE Project, which aims to strengthen transboundary cooperation for the sustainable and resilient management of groundwater resources in West Africa. It offers the successful candidate the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary environment integrating Earth and Environmental Sciences, environmental management, natural resource governance, and international development cooperation.
Application deadline 10 August 2026 (1:00 p.m. CEST)
How to apply:
Go to: https://www.unipi.it/didattica/corsi/dottorati/bando2026-27/bando-b-2026-2027/
English version: https://www.unipi.it/en/education/courses/phd-programmes/call-for-applications-for-admission-to-phd-programmes-academic-year-2026-2027-2/call-b-2026-27/
Click on “CALL B” and then:
You will find the full call for all PhDs at the Department of Earth Sciences of Pisa University.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (Article 3 of the Call for applications): you will find all the instructions for application in the PDF file of the call.
How to Apply for a PhD Call – Quick Guide
For information regarding the research topic, candidates are invited to contact:
Prof. Viviana Re – viviana.re@unipi.it and Dr. Brunella Raco – brunella.raco@cnr.it