Funded PhD position in Water Engineering (WATERAGRI)

Dr Yu (Wayne) Wang, Lecturer in Civil Engineering, and Prof. Miklas Scholz, Professor and Chair in Civil Engineering

Proposal
This is a unique and cutting-edge research opportunity in the multi-disciplinary field of water engineering. You would either undertake This is a unique and cutting-edge research opportunity in the multi-disciplinary field of water engineering. You would undertake full-time PhD studies within the research project “WATER retention and nutrient recycling in soils and streams for improved AGRIcultural production (WATERAGRI)”, which is coordinated by Prof. Miklas Scholz.

The University of Salford-relevant contribution to the project comprises mainly research on (a) the novel physico-chemical Water-Vapour Sorption Isotherm and Water Retention Characteristics (WVSI-WRC) model; (b) the further development of the novel Dewaterability Estimation Test (DET) apparatus; and (c) a combination of (a) and (b) in terms of modelling capillary water front movement processes.

Requirements for candidate
As part of a wider local and international team, you will apply your laboratory, analytical, modelling and writing skills to develop the WVSI-WRC and DET innovations further. Ideally, you have a relevant background with interest in laboratory and fieldwork as well as a portfolio in numerical modelling. An appreciation of water, soil and computer science would be an advantage. Ideally, you also have::

• A good 2.1 class degree (or international equivalent) or a Master degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Applied Mathematics or relevant subjects.
• Experience or strong interest in process modelling, unsaturated soil physical property testing and characterization, and finite element analysis for diffusion-convection challenges.
• Good communication capability to work in an international research consortium.

The Studentship
The studentship is for 3 years (36 months), which covers the tuition fee and a living stipend of £15,285.00/year. The successful applicant will register as a full-time PhD student at The University of Salford.

Additional notes
Further information on WATERAGRI is available via http://wateragri.eu/

For a journal paper on the DET innovation, follow this link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09593330.2019.1575916

How to apply
Submit a formal application at this link: http://webapps.ascentone.com/Login.aspx?key=5d4b012a-bb6c-495b-b2e4-b5a56b3ccf00
You will need to have the following documents ready to upload to the application site:

• A research proposal: https://www.salford.ac.uk/data/assets/pdf_file/0003/631686/Writing-a-Research-Proposal-Guidance.pdf
• Scanned copy of your passport picture page
• Copies of all your relevant certificates and transcripts
• Two references
• CV
• Personal statement

Further information about studying for a postgraduate research degree at the University of Salford, can be found here: https://beta.salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research

Who to contact for further details: Dr Wayne Wang ([Email Address Removed]) for modelling and Prof. Miklas Scholz ([Email Address Removed]) for dewaterability testing questions.

Deadline: 31st October 2020

Funding: This position is fully funded by the EU H2020 WATERAGRI research project and The University of Salford.