Cormac Reale
11 months ago
This position has expired. You can find similar positions from the section below or browse our positions listing pages.
GW4+ DLTP PhD Project: From Triggering to Impact: Predicting Landslide Runout and Footprint University of Bath in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Geology
Funding
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
Deadline
Expired
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Bath
Suggested positions
Keywords
About this position
This PhD project, hosted at the University of Bath and funded through the GW4+ Doctoral Landscape Training Partnership (DLTP), aims to advance the prediction of landslide runout and footprint, a critical challenge in earth science and civil engineering. Landslides are a major geohazard, reshaping landscapes and threatening communities worldwide, with their impacts expected to intensify due to climate change. The project will develop physics-informed, climate-aware models to predict landslide runout, integrating satellite imagery, digital elevation models, GIS datasets, and triggering factors such as extreme rainfall. Soil and rock properties, moisture regimes, and topographic controls will be incorporated to better constrain runout dynamics.
The research will include case studies from the UK and selected international sites, ensuring real-world relevance and impact. Collaboration with the British Geological Survey (BGS) provides access to advanced data and facilities, including a state-of-the-art landslide laboratory and debris-flow flume for simulation. The student will receive comprehensive training in geohazard modelling and geospatial analysis from a multidisciplinary supervisory team. Key research questions include understanding the interactions between soil/rock properties, topography, and hydrology under changing climate conditions, evaluating the effectiveness of physics-guided machine learning versus empirical rules, and assessing how projected rainfall extremes will affect landslide probability and footprint.
Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a UK Honours degree (1st or 2.1) or international equivalent, and non-UK candidates must meet English language requirements. The GW4+ DLTP studentship covers tuition, a competitive stipend (£20,780 p/a in 2025/26), and generous research and travel allowances. International students are eligible, but funding does not cover visa or healthcare costs, and awards to international candidates are limited to 30% of the total.
The University of Bath values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from under-represented groups and supporting students with disabilities. The application deadline is January 8, 2026, and candidates must apply via the University of Bath’s online system, quoting the project title and supervisor, and submitting a personal statement using the GW4+ DLTP template.
Funding details
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
What's required
Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a UK Honours degree at 1st or 2.1 level, or international equivalent. Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement before the application deadline, unless currently studying in the UK. No exceptions will be considered. Applicants from under-represented groups are encouraged, and those with disabilities will be supported by the Disability Service.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Professors
Dr. at Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Hydrology
Geotechnical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Slope Stability
Surface Topography
Professor at Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Rock Mechanics
Hydrology
Earth Science
Geology
Terrain Analysis
Dr. at Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Hydrology
Rock Mechanics
Climate Dynamics
Civil Engineering
Slope Stability
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.