PhD Studentship: NERC Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT). Exploring the trade-offs in flood protection and security of water supply when adopting nature-based solutions

Overview

The Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT) will train the next generation of research practitioners who will make a tangible difference to future flood management in the UK & internationally. Our goal is to provide a nurturing & inspiring training environment to develop the independent future leaders we need who can translate research and innovation into practice. Find out more here: https://flood-cdt.ac.uk/

Planning to manage floods & drought often occur independently and over different planning cycles. However, interventions that address one type of hydrological hazard may influence the dynamics of another hazard. In recent decades nature-based solutions have become a popular intervention to reduce exposure to flood risk and the cascading impacts of climate change. Yet, little research has been done to understand & quantify the consequences of nature-based flood solutions on water resource supplies in the catchment during low flow periods. Indeed, few modelling frameworks exist to assess the interactions between nature-based solutions, flooding, and water supply, and there is limited understanding of how these interactions may evolve in the future under climate change and changing water demands.

Working with partners in the Environment Agency’s Climate Change & Resource Efficiency team, this project aims to address this knowledge gap by developing a holistic multi-model framework that simulates multiple interacting aspects of the water system. The framework will be used to further understanding & inform the management of evolving flood and water supply risks. The project will focus on a UK-based case study but will have international relevance for countries facing flooding and drought hazards.

Start Date: 15/09/25

Award Duration: 3.5 years

Sponsor: NERC

Supervisor: Anna Murgatroyd (Newcastle University)

Eligibility

You must have, or expect to gain, minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (inc. Geography, environmental science, engineering etc.). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think & work independently, excellent analytical skills & strong verbal & written communication skills are also essential requirements.

Home & international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. 

How To Applications Details

Please click the 'Apply' button, above.

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  

• Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  
• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8040F 
• The Research Area is: Civil Engineering (Environmental)
• Select PhD Civil Engineering (full time) as the programme of study

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:  

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (include your research interests in flooding & rationale for your choice of project)
• The studentship code FLOOD255 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field
• When prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

In the ‘Supporting Documentation’ section please upload:

• Your CV giving details of your academic record & stating your research interests

In your application you will also need:

• The name 2 current academic referees together with an institutional email addresses
• Academic transcripts & degree certificates (translated if not in English)
• Language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL), if applicable.

You must submit 1 application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on 1 application.

Contact Details: anna.murgatroyd@newcastle.ac.uk

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