EPSRC Project Funded PhD Studentship in Extreme Storm Impacts on Coastal Systems at University of Plymouth
Overview
The School of Marine Science and Engineering is seeking to recruit a PhD student for a fully-funded PhD studentship to study extreme storm impacts on coastal systems. The studentship is tied to the research project Adaptation and Resilience of the UK Energy System to Climate Change, which is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and aims to identify the challenges facing the future security of the UK nuclear energy sector and coastal energy supply in the NW region as a result of changing patterns of temperature and rainfall, sea-level rise and storms.
The studentship will focus on the collection, analysis and modelling of extreme storm response data from a number of coastal sites that are important for the UK energy supply (e.g., Bradwell, Dungeness, Heysham, Oldbury, Sellafield, Sizewell). Data will be collected over selected storm events from a range of coastal systems (tidal flat, sandy beach with dunes, gravel barrier, soft cliff) using the University of Plymouth`s Coastal Response Unit.
This unit comprises a large van equipped with a video monitoring tower, terrestrial laser scanner, quad-bike mounted RTK-GPS system and several self-logging water level monitoring devices, and can be mobilised at very short notice for coastal monitoring. The successful candidate will be largely responsible for planning and executing the field experiments, and analysing and modelling the field data, but will be assisted by an experienced and multi-disciplinary team of supervisors.
Eligibility
Candidates should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an Ocean Science, Geography or Engineering discipline. Applicants with a relevant MSc or MRes in a related numerate subject would be particularly welcome. Candidates will need to have some proven competencies in the collection (e.g., dGPS, video monitoring, wave/tide measurement) and analysis (e.g., Matlab) of coastal field data. Some expertise in numerical modelling would also be desirable.
The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £13,590 per annum. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home/EU fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover overseas fees will have to cover the difference between the Home/EU and the overseas tuition fee rates (approximately £9,250 per annum).
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Professor Gerd Masselink (g.masselink@plymouth.ac.uk). However, applications must be made in accordance with the details shown below.
For an application form and full details on how to apply, please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/postgraduate. Applicants should send a completed application form along with a covering letter detailing their suitability for the studentship to Mrs C Watson, Room A103 Portland Square, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA or e-mail c.watson@plymouth.ac.uk.
DoS Professor Gerd Masselink (gmasselink@plymouth.ac.uk)
2nd Supervisor Professor Paul Russell (prussell@plymouth.ac.uk)
3rd Supervisor Associate Professor Mark Davidson (mdavidson@plymouth.ac.uk)
Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1st October 2011.
Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Friday 3rd June 2011.
