PhD Studentship: Optimising Natural Flood Management: From Intervention Design to Catchment-scale Flood Risk Reduction

Natural flood management (NFM) interventions, such as woody material in rivers, offer a potential to reduce downstream flooding by slowing water flow, while boosting biodiversity. However, we don't fully understand how these interventions control water flow, meaning their flood protection benefits may be miscalculated.

This PhD will generate new knowledge to support the effective design and application of nature-based flood defences. You'll answer three questions:

1. How should woody interventions be designed for optimised water storage?
2. Where should nature-based interventions be placed for maximum flood protection now and under climate change?
3. How effectively do nature-based interventions reduce downstream flood risk?

You have the opportunity to test woody debris configurations in our state-of-the-art flume laboratory, use advanced CAESAR-Lisflood models to simulate entire catchments, and deploy field monitoring equipment to measure potential flood reduction or amplification. This project offers flexibility to match your interests and skills across these methods.

Working with the Environment Agency, Forestry England, and West Northamptonshire Council, this project will inform natural flood management supporting the village of Brigstock, while establishing scientific principles for national flood management strategies. The outcomes will contribute foundational science with tangible community impact by supporting flood mitigation interventions while advancing nature-based climate adaptation.

Based in the Department of Geography and Environment, you’ll work alongside fellow PhD researchers within the FLOOD-CDT and leading academics in fluvial geomorphology and river hydraulics.

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 Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering’. Please quote the advertised reference number, ‘FCDT-26-LU10’, 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 their website. Please note that your application will be assessed upon:

1. Motivation and career aspirations
2. Potential and intellectual excellence
3. Suitability for specific project
4. Fit to FLOOD-CDT

So 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 floodcdt@soton.ac.uk.

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