PhD Studentship: Geomorphic Mitigation of Contaminated Mining Sediment Mobilization During Floods

Contamination of river systems by pollution from abandoned metal mines is a pressing national issue, with in excess of 1,500 km of England’s rivers affected. Abandoned metal mines are the single most important source of highly contaminated surface legacy sediments in the UK, which can negatively impact on river system dynamics, water quality and ecosystem health owing to ecotoxicity of contaminated sediments. These mines are typically located in steep, upland, catchments that are at risk of severe geomorphic change during localised flash floods (e.g., Baynes et al. 2023), where localised erosion of contaminated sediments from mine source locations and downstream floodplain sediment stores can potentially mobilise pollutants throughout the river catchments (Kincey et al., 2018).

The predicted future increase in storm frequency and intensity will result in increased rates of contaminated sediment mobilisation and transfer. However, impacts on spatio-temporal contaminant (re)mobilisation through this change in flood regimes has not been adequately quantified. The aim of this PhD is to explore the geomorphological processes of metal contaminant (re)mobilization during floods from upland river catchments across the north of England. The outcomes of the PhD will inform targeted management approaches that aim to mitigate the legacy of metal mining in affected river catchments.

Funding details

Studentship type – UKRI through Flood-CDT.

The studentship is for 3.5 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Excellent International candidates are eligible for a full international fee waiver however due to UKRI funding rules, no more than 30% of the studentships funded by this grant can be awarded to International candidates.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must already have, or expect to shortly graduate with, a very good undergraduate degree or Master’s degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree) – or an equivalent international qualification from a high ranking university – in a relevant subject. EU and Overseas applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency.

How to Apply

All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select Geography and Environment. Please quote the advertised reference number: FCDT-25-LU2 in your application. This PhD is being advertised as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT). Further details about FLOOD-CDT can be found here. Please note, that your application will be assessed upon: (1) Motivation and Career Aspirations; (2) Potential & Intellectual Excellence; (3) Suitability for specific project and (4) Fit to FLOOD-CDT. So please familiarise yourselves with FLOOD-CDT before applying. During the application process candidates will need to upload:

• a 1 page statement of your research interests in flooding and FLOOD-CDT and your rationale for your choice of project
• a curriculum vitae giving details of your academic record and stating your research interests
• academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated if not in English)
• a IELTS/TOEFL certificate, if applicable.

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