[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided. Full studentship for home and international applicants.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University investigates how the superficial geology of Gateshead and Newcastle influences groundwater flood risk and water contamination. The North East of England, with its extensive coal mining heritage, faces rising groundwater levels due to the cessation of mine water pumping and climate-driven changes in rainfall. These changes have led to significant flood risks for homes, businesses, and infrastructure, as seen in recent flooding events such as those at Kibblesworth and the Metrocentre Retail Park.

The project will focus on the region’s complex subsurface geology, particularly the Quaternary sediments deposited by the last British Ice Sheet. These range from permeable glaciofluvial materials to impermeable clays and tills, and their heterogeneity and connectivity play a crucial role in groundwater movement and flood potential. Flooded abandoned mines further complicate the subsurface, creating unexpected pathways for groundwater to reach the surface and increasing the risk of both flooding and water pollution.

The successful candidate will work closely with the British Geological Survey, Gateshead Council, Project Groundwater Northumbria, and the Mining Remediation Authority. The research will involve developing a conceptual understanding of the region’s geology, constructing hydrogeological models, and identifying areas of groundwater recharge, routing, discharge, and contaminant concentration. The outcomes will inform flood risk management and environmental protection strategies for the region.

The studentship covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported. Both home and international applicants (including EU) are eligible for the full studentship. Applicants should have or expect to obtain at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject, and must demonstrate enthusiasm for research, independence, analytical ability, and strong communication skills. Non-native English speakers require an IELTS score of 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in all sub-skills), and international applicants may need ATAS clearance.

The project is supervised by Professor Bethan Davies at Newcastle University. For more information, prospective applicants are encouraged to attend the webinar on November 26th and to contact Prof Davies directly. The application deadline is January 8, 2026, and the studentship will commence on October 1, 2026. For application details and to apply, visit the Newcastle University funding portal.