DPhil Studentship available for 2012
Water resources adaptation decisions in the context of climatic non-stationarity and variability
Applications are invited for a fully funded DPhil Studentship in the Environmental Change Institute in the University of Oxford, to be supervised by Prof Jim Hall FREng. The doctoral project will develop new methods for risk-based water resources decision making. It will combine simulation of flood series based on the probabilistic UKCP09 scenarios along with analysis of the implications of climate change for demand. The research will seek to synthesise a robust approach to water resources management decisions in a non-stationary climate given only partial information about future rainfall and flows.
The project is jointly funded by the Thames Water and the Environment Agency with whom the student will interact throughout the course of the doctoral project. This studentship is open to UK and EU applicants only and will cover three years of University fees along with a maintenance allowance and appropriate research costs.
The doctoral project represents an excellent opportunity for a suitably qualified student to make important contributions to hydrological science and also to have a significant impact on water resources management decision making. Candidates for the studentship will combine expertise in hydrology (ideally gained through a Masters level qualification) with statistical expertise at time series analysis and a good knowledge of probabilistic decision analysis. The doctoral student must have excellent computer programming skills, along with good verbal and written communication skills. They will be highly motivated by the scientific significance of their work and its potential impact on environmental management decisions.
Suitably qualified candidates wishing to apply for this studentship should submit a covering letter and CV to be sent to: Ruth Saxton, Research Degrees Coordinator, School of Geography and the Environment, OUCE, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QY or via email to ruth.saxton.ouce.ox.ac.uk by the deadline of 7 January 2012. Applicants should also submit a full Oxford University Application to reach us by the deadline of 20 January 2012.
Please see the School of Geography and the Environment's International Graduate School webpages for information on making the Oxford University Application.