PhD Studentship: Fire and Flooding: Coupled Sediment Cascades in a Changing Climate

Wildfires and floods are two of the most destructive natural hazards, and climate change is intensifying both. When fires strip vegetation and alter soils, rainfall can trigger debris flows and sediment surges that transform rivers, degrade water quality, and increase flood risk. This PhD will investigate how fire and flood interact to drive these cascading hazards, from hillslopes to rivers, providing vital insights for managing water, land, and communities in a warming world.

Working with leading scientists at Loughborough University, the University of Southampton, and Colorado State University, and in collaboration with Previsico Ltd. and the US Geological Survey, the researcher will combine fieldwork, remote sensing, and modelling (using CAESAR-Lisflood) to quantify how burned landscapes respond to intense rainfall and enhanced sediment transport.

The successful candidate will develop advanced skills in geomorphology, hydrology, environmental data analysis, and climate resilience, contributing to both science and practice. This is an exceptional opportunity to join the FLOOD-CDT, a world-class doctoral training centre tackling the biggest flood challenges through interdisciplinary research and real-world collaboration.

Entry requirements:

Applicants must already have, or expect to shortly graduate with, a very good undergraduate degree 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. EU and overseas applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Funding information:

Studentship type – UKRI through FLOOD-CDT

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. 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 via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select ‘School of Social Sciences and Humanities’. Please quote the advertised reference number, ‘FCDT-26-LU1’, 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 on the FLOOD-CDT website.

Please note that your application will be assessed upon:

• Motivation and career aspirations
• Potential and intellectual excellence
• Suitability for specific project
• Fit to FLOOD-CDT

Please familiarise yourselves with FLOOD-CDT before applying.

During the application process candidates will need to upload:

• a one 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 via email.

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