PhD Studentship: Flood Asset Performance and Sediment Dynamics under Climate Change

Flooding is increasing under climate change, with rainfall intensifying risks across climate zones. In the UK, flood defences are traditionally designed as static structures, overlooking the fact rivers are dynamic systems transporting sediment, wood, and nutrients. This disconnect can lead to underperforming flood assets, where sediment accumulation, blockage, or erosion reduces efficiency and amplifies flood hazards. Reservoirs and embankments, while critical for flood protection, may disrupt sediment connectivity, and their failure can deliver catastrophic pulses of water and sediment downstream.

This project will combine numerical simulations, field observations, and stakeholder engagement to address three core research questions:

1. How does sediment transport reduce the efficiency and resilience of flood assets, and how might this change under future climates?
2. What are the spatial patterns and drivers of sediment-related underperformance in UK flood assets, and how do these influence flood amplification?
3. How effective are emerging low-cost monitoring techniques (e.g., UAV surveys, citizen science, remote sensing) in detecting and managing sediment retention?

By bridging geomorphology, engineering, and stakeholder perspectives, the project will deliver new insights into the role of sediment in shaping flood risk. Its outcomes will inform asset management strategies, improve sustainability of flood protection, and support climate adaptation policy.

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Prof. Qiuhua Liang
Secondary supervisor:  Dr Josh Wolstenholme

Entry requirements:
Applicants must already have, or expect to shortly graduate with, a very good undergraduate or master’s degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree) – or an equivalent international qualification from a high ranking university – in a relevant subject.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:
Studentship type – UKRI through Flood-CDT (flood-cdt.ac.uk). The studentship is for 3.5 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Excellent International candidates are eligible for a full international fee waiver. Due to UKRI funding rules, no more than 30% of the studentships funded by this grant can be awarded to International candidates, but successful International candidates will have the difference between the UK and International tuition fees provided by the University.

How to apply:
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering. Please quote the advert reference FCDT-26-LU9 in your application. This PhD is being advertised as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT). Further details about FLOOD-CDT can be seen at https://flood-cdt.ac.uk. Please note that your application will be assessed upon: (1) Motivation and Career Aspirations; (2) Potential & Intellectual Excellence; (3) Suitability for specific project and (4) Fit to FLOOD-CDT. So please familiarise yourselves with FLOOD-CDT before applying. During the application process candidates will need to upload:

• a 1 page statement of your research interests in flooding and FLOOD-CDT and your rationale for your choice of project;
• a curriculum vitae giving details of your academic record and stating your research interests;
• academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated if not in English)
• a IELTS/TOEFL certificate, if applicable.

You are encouraged to contact potential supervisors by email to discuss project specific aspects of the proposed project prior to submitting your application. If you have any general questions please contact floodcdt@soton.ac.uk.

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