Jobs:Job-01783
Apply before: 28 February 2025
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Posting:
Position: PHD position
Apply before: 28 February 2025
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Supervisor(s) Prof. Nicoletta Leonardi (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/nicoletta-leonardi; University of Liverpool) ; Dr Riccardo Briganti, Nottingham University. Dr. Demetra Cristaudo (JBA)
Deadline for applications: 28 February, 2025.
This project is part of the N0MES CDT; https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/engineering/department-of-civil-and-environmental-engineering/n0mes/ (Centre for Doctoral Training),
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
N0MES CDT Theme C: Environmental Impact
Dredging is essential for maintaining navigable waterways, and dredged sediments offer a valuable resource for coastal restoration. The strategic use of these sediments in coastal protection and reshaping efforts can play a crucial role in advancing net-zero targets, particularly by reducing the need for transporting materials over long distances. However, dredged sediments are often disposed of offshore, which can lead to long-term sediment depletion along the coastline. Once deposited offshore, these sediments are challenging to resuspend and transport back inshore. This issue has prompted efforts to recycle dredged material. While this method can enhance habitat resilience, some studies suggest it is not optimal for dredging efficiency or coastal restoration efforts. This project will examine three case studies across the UK co-decided with the external partner to assess where dredged sediments could support coastal restoration efforts. Initially, we will identify existing coastal risks at each site. This will include the development of monitoring and digital twin components allowing for incorporating real-time data into modelling techniques. Subsequently, we will employ computer modelling, remote sensing, and machine learning techniques to predict future coastal risks under changing climate conditions. Finally, these tools will be used to test various sediment recycling methods, aiming to enhance both sediment budgets and the resilience of the overall coastal system. The project will also include a final life-cycle carbon budget analysis to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these innovative approaches compared to traditional coastal protection strategies.
Applicant Eligibility
Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a master’s degree or equivalent from a reputable university in a relevant subject OR a First in a relevant bachelor’s degree.
Important Application Process
Candidates wishing to apply should complete the N0MES CDT expression of interest form (HERE: https://forms.gle/hJYjWZcLaDzxmdt99) and then email the following to n0mescdt@liverpool.ac.uk. Once your information is assessed you will be invited to apply formally. Please include the following in your email:
- degree certificates and transcripts
- an up-to-date CV
- two academic references together with their contact information
- a supporting statement (one page of A4) detailing what inspired you to apply for this project, how your skill set matches this specific project, up to 3 examples showing your commitment to science, an example of science that excites you and any further information that you think will support your application
Please use the following as the email subject title: PhD Studentship at the N0MES CDT.
Funding Notes:
PhD studentships pay a maintenance grant for 4 years, starting at the UKRI (https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/studentships-and-doctoral-training/get-a-studentship-to-fund-your-doctorate/) minimum of £20,780 per annum for 2025-2026 and cover full home UK tuition fees (plus EU , EAA settled *see note below). The studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a research training support grant which is available to fund conference attendance, fieldwork, internships etc.
- International, EU student eligibility and student fees for EU and EEA students who do not meet the EPRSC eligibility requirements are classified as international students. Eligibility is based on residency not nationality (https://www.ukri.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/UKRI-030221-Guidance-International-Eligibility-Implementation-training-grant-holders-V2.pdf). EU and EAA students with settled status will be classified as Home students.
Unless stated otherwise international students will be required to fund the difference between international and home student tuition fees. For 2025 fees for international students are currently in the region of £31,250 per year at the University of Liverpool (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/postgraduate-research/).
Name and email address to direct enquiries to:
Candidates wishing to discuss the research project should contact N.Leonardi@liverpool.ac.uk.
Those wishing to discuss the application process should contact CDT Manager, Matt Fulton, at the University of Liverpool (n0mescdt@liverpool.ac.uk).
