Predicting Coastal Resilience to Climate Change

The Coastal Processes Research Group at the University of Plymouth are seeking applications for one fully funded PhD studentship starting in October 2020.
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/coastal-processes

Join a multidisciplinary team of coastal, ocean and climate scientists on a high-impact PhD research programme aimed at predicting coastal erosion and accretion in a future with anticipated higher sea-levels and potentially larger waves.

Climate change over the next century is inevitable, and will further increase pressure on coastal environments, infrastructure and communities due to coastal erosion and flooding. In spite of considerable advances in predictions of waves and sea level, our ability to accurately infer, and therefore properly prepare for, the impact on our coastlines has remained elusive. The PhD project will bridge this significant gap in knowledge; providing coastal managers and forecasters with an effective and skilful numerical tool for the prediction of beach erosion and recovery over a variety of time-scales (storm to multi-decadal).

The successful candidate will contribute to advancing an exciting new numerical modelling technique pioneered by the research team for predicting coastal erosion and accretion. They will also be actively involved in an ongoing programme of beach surveys and coastal monitoring of the beaches in Devon and Cornwall, adding to a world-leading dataset on coastal evolution that will be used directly in this project to shape and test model developments. The project will involve working directly with scientists at the Met Office (the UK’s National Weather Service) providing a PhD opportunity with real value and importance; amplifying the impact of the research.

Eligibility
We require applicants with a masters and/or first-class undergraduate degree in a science or engineering subject. Knowledge of coastal processes that shape the coastline would be valuable and scientific computing skills (particularly in MATLAB and/or Python) also highly advantageous. As the PhD student will be required to conduct regular fieldwork and liaise with collaborators at the UK Environment Agency and Met Office, good practical, communication and teamwork skills are desirable, as are any previous experience of surveying and a UK driver’s licence.

For further information and details of how to apply please go to: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/your-studies/research-degrees/postgraduate-research-studentships/predicting-coastal-resilience-to-climate-change
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 29th May 2020. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in mid-June. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications.