PhD in Relevant Subject

Wildfires and floods are two of the most destructive natural hazards, and climate change is intensifying both. When fires strip vegetation and alter soils, rainfall can trigger debris flows and sediment surges that transform rivers, degrade water quality, and increase flood risk. This PhD will investigate how fire and flood interact to drive these cascading hazards, from hillslopes to rivers, providing vital insights for managing water, land, and communities in a warming world. Working with leading scientists at Loughborough University, the University of Southampton, and Colorado State University, and in collaboration with Previsico Ltd. and the US Geological Survey, the researcher will combine fieldwork, remote sensing, and modelling (using CAESAR-Lisflood) to quantify how burned landscapes respond to intense rainfall and enhanced sediment transport. The successful candidate will develop advanced skills in geomorphology, hydrology, environmental data analysis, and climate resilience, contributing to both science and practice. This is an exceptional opportunity to join the FLOOD-CDT, a world-class doctoral training centre tackling the biggest flood challenges through interdisciplinary research and real-world collaboration.