PhD Studentship: Flood Asset Performance and Sediment Dynamics under Climate Change Loughborough University in United Kingdom

[Fully funded UKRI studentship via Flood-CDT for 3.5 years, tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum plus UK tuition fees. Excellent international candidates eligible for full international fee waiver; no more than 30% of studentships can be awarded to international candidates, but successful international candidates will have the difference between UK and international tuition fees provided by the university.] This fully funded PhD studentship at Loughborough University investigates the performance of flood assets and sediment dynamics in the context of climate change. Flooding risks are intensifying globally, and in the UK, traditional flood defences often fail to account for the dynamic nature of rivers, which transport sediment, wood, and nutrients. This can result in underperforming flood assets due to sediment accumulation, blockage, or erosion, ultimately amplifying flood hazards. The project will address three main research questions: (1) How does sediment transport affect the efficiency and resilience of flood assets, and how might this change under future climate scenarios? (2) What are the spatial patterns and drivers of sediment-related underperformance in UK flood assets, and how do these influence flood amplification? (3) How effective are emerging low-cost monitoring techniques, such as UAV surveys, citizen science, and remote sensing, in detecting and managing sediment retention? The research will combine numerical simulations, field observations, and stakeholder engagement, bridging geomorphology, engineering, and policy perspectives. Outcomes will inform asset management strategies, improve the sustainability of flood protection, and support climate adaptation policy. The studentship is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT), funded by UKRI, and offers a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum for 3.5 years, plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Excellent international candidates are eligible for a full international fee waiver, with the university covering the difference between UK and international tuition fees for successful candidates. Entry requirements include a very good undergraduate or master's degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours or equivalent) in a relevant subject, and meeting the university's English language requirements. Applicants should submit an online application, including a statement of research interests, CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, and English language certificate if applicable. The project is supervised by Professor Qiuhua Liang and Dr Josh Wolstenholme, and applicants are encouraged to contact supervisors to discuss project-specific aspects prior to applying. The application deadline is 8 January 2025.