[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 the eco-hydrological and geomorphic effects of floodplain restoration, with a primary focus on the Mar floodplain near Braemar in the Cairngorms National Park. Floodplains are vital for ecosystem services such as flood attenuation, water quality improvement, and carbon sequestration, and they support high biodiversity due to dynamic geomorphic and hydrological processes.

The project will build on previous monitoring efforts, expanding the study area and employing repeated topographical surveys using dGPS to quantify geomorphological changes. Water table dynamics before and after restoration will be monitored using an extensive network of piezometers, with additional installations planned. Soil moisture and groundwater oxygen concentrations will be measured to provide further insights into the restored floodplain's functioning. Vegetation quadrats will be established to assess the distribution of vascular and non-vascular plants across representative communities.

Hydrological modelling will simulate the impacts of restoration under current and future climate scenarios, enabling assessment of potential vegetation responses. The successful candidate will have opportunities to conduct fieldwork and collaborate with the James Hutton Institute, CEH, and UCL.

The studentship covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a minimum annual tax-free living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported. Applicants must hold or expect to obtain at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject, such as computing, mathematics, or engineering. Strong analytical, independent working, and communication skills are essential. Both home and international applicants are eligible, with full studentship support available.

Non-native English speakers require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills), and international applicants may need ATAS clearance. The application deadline is 8th January 2026, and the project is scheduled to start on 1st October 2026. For further details, applicants are encouraged to attend the prospective applicant webinar and contact Professor Claire Walsh for queries.