The University of Queensland is offering a fully funded PhD position in the School of Civil Engineering, focusing on urban rainfall-informed green stormwater management. This research addresses the challenges of managing extreme rainfall events and localized flooding in urban areas, considering the impacts of climate change and urban land/atmosphere interactions. The project leverages big data and advanced computational modelling to understand how urban structures, such as green spaces and building density, modify rainfall patterns and contribute to flooding.

As a PhD candidate, you will investigate the mechanisms by which urban design influences rainfall modification and develop frameworks for integrating green stormwater management solutions to mitigate flood and water quality impacts. The research environment includes access to cutting-edge computational resources, experimental facilities, and opportunities for real-world field data collection in collaboration with government and industry partners. The project is led by Dr Jessica Eisma, an expert in nature-based solutions for urban stormwater management, with strong international and industry collaborations.

Applicants should have a solid academic background, preferably with experience in urban hydrology, nature-based solutions, land/atmosphere interactions, water-sensitive urban design, atmospheric science, or urban planning. The position offers tailored training in numerical modelling and field data analysis, supporting the development of both academic and professional networks.

The scholarship provides a living stipend of $37,500 per annum (2026 rate), tax free and indexed annually, with full tuition coverage. The application deadline is 19 March, 2026. Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest (EOI) and indicate their application for the advertised project and scholarship. For further information or questions about the suitability of the project, contact Dr Jessica Eisma at [email protected].

Key research areas include urban hydrology, green stormwater management, rainfall modification, nature-based solutions, water-sensitive urban design, atmospheric science, urban planning, computational modelling, field data analysis, and flood mitigation.