PhD Studentship: Storm Triplets and Beyond – Jet Stream Forcing of Cyclone Sequences

[Tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum (in 2025/26) and tuition fees at the UK rate for 3.5 years. Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £8,000. International candidates may have the difference between UK and International tuition fees covered by the University, subject to UKRI funding rules (no more than 30% of studentships to international candidates).] This PhD studentship at Loughborough University investigates the drivers and impacts of storm sequences, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of 'storm triplets'—clusters of three or more severe weather events occurring in a short time frame. These events, such as storms Dudley, Eunice, and Franklin, have caused significant flooding and extreme winds across the UK and Northwest Europe, leading to substantial economic and societal impacts. The project aims to develop a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that cause flooding and extreme wind to co-occur, with a particular emphasis on the role of the North Atlantic jet stream. Despite its recognized importance, there are still significant gaps in knowledge regarding how the jet stream's characteristics, such as its waviness and temporal evolution, contribute to joint hazards. The origin and dynamics of storm triplets remain largely unexplored. The research will utilize advanced climate modelling tools, including EUROCORDEX, and innovative techniques to identify and analyze triplet events. Existing pilot work has already compiled a dataset of co-occurring hazard episodes, including triplets, using UKCP18 climate projections for both historical (1981-1999) and future (2061-2079) periods, providing a strong foundation for the project. The studentship is interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise in meteorology, hydro-meteorological hazards, and insurance risk modelling, with supervisors including Dr. Chen, Dr. Hillier, Dr. Bloomfield, and Dr. Brocklehurst. The project includes a 1-2 month placement at Impact Forecasting (London or Prague), offering practical experience in the insurance sector, where flooding and wind risks are typically modelled separately. Funding is provided through a NERC-supported studentship, offering a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025/26), UK tuition fees for 3.5 years, and a Research Training Support Grant of £8,000. International candidates are eligible, with the university covering the difference between UK and international tuition fees for successful applicants, subject to UKRI funding limits. Applicants should hold or expect at least a 2:1 honours degree in Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science, or Engineering, with a relevant master's degree and/or experience considered advantageous. English language requirements must be met. The application process involves completing a CENTA studentship application form and applying online, quoting the reference CENTA2026-LU02. The deadline for applications is midnight (UK time) on 7 January 2026, with interviews for shortlisted candidates expected in early February 2026.