The position

The School of Civil and Building Engineering and the Department of Geography invites applications for a PhD studentship from students interested in using a probabilistic GIS technique called ‘catastrophe modelling’ to explore how critical coastal infrastructure can be made more resilient to large-scale natural hazards linked to the impacts of climate change.

Recent storms and floods in the UK and overseas have highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure (such as transport, energy and communications networks) that is located in coastal areas. Consequently the (re)developers of Britain’s critical infrastructure need to proactively mitigate for the future impacts of the changing climate. Addressing these challenges therefore requires a greater understanding of all possible adverse events and the implications of these for how critical infrastructure in coastal regions is designed, built, managed, operated and retrofitted.

The successful applicant will therefore be provided an opportunity to explore the fascinating field of ‘catastrophe modelling’ and firmly locate their PhD research in an area of significant national and international importance. As part of a large and supportive research community within the School, the successful candidate will benefit from being a member of the University’s Graduate School and their extensive and targeted skills training for research students. The successful candidate will be joining a lively community of research students and staff, where doctoral students are given great academic and administrative support and are an integral part of the University's research culture.

Loughborough University

Voted Sunday Times 'University of the Year' 2008-2009, winner of The Times Higher 'Best Student Experience' poll for five years running (2006 - 2010) and with over 3,200 staff and in excess of 16,000 students, Loughborough University is one of the top 20 Universities in the UK. The University has an impressive and pleasant campus in the heart of the East Midlands - the largest single site campus in the UK. Its world-class sports and educational facilities, combined with its lively, diverse student community, make it a fantastic place to study, socialise and play.

Funding and eligibility

The studentship is open to mathematically literate graduates with experience in numerate subjects such as mathematical modelling, statistics or those with a strong engineering background provided that they are articulate, well qualified and highly motivated. The minimum entry qualification is a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent. A lower qualification is acceptable if supplemented with an appropriate postgraduate (MSc) qualification and relevant experience.

The studentship is for 3 years and covers fees and a tax-exempt stipend of £13,726 for the 2013/2014 academic year with cost of living adjustments in years 2 and 3. Tuition fees will be paid at the UK/EU rate.

Studentships can start on the 1^st July or 1^st October 2013.

Additional Information

Applications can be made on-line by clicking the Apply link. All applicants are encouraged to make contact with the supervisor to discuss their interest in the subject area.

For an informal discussion on the subject area, please contact the lead supervisor, Dr Lee Bosher, on 01509 222887 or L.Bosher@lboro.ac.uk.

For enquiries about the application process, please contact Ms Helen Newbold, h.newbold@lboro.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications: Applications will be accepted until 30th April 2013, or until the post is filled.

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