Fully-funded PhD project on the propagation of storm surges within estuaries

The Coastal Marine Group, School of Science, University of Waikato, New
Zealand, is seeking applicants for a fully-funded PhD project on
the propagation of storm surges within estuaries.

*Project Details:*
The project is funded by the Natural Hazards Research Platform hosted at
GNS Science and it is part of a larger umbrella project called “Climate
change impacts on weather-related hazards”, which involves a consortium
from University of Auckland, University of Waikato and NIWA. This component
of the project is to understand how storm surges are modified as they
propagate into the barrier-enclosed estuaries that are common feature of
New Zealand’s estuaries.  The project will involve a detailed study with
Tauranga Harbour, one of the largest estuaries in New Zealand, which will
include calibrating and implementing a numerical model, a field experiment
to understand the role of vegetation in controlling propagation in the
upper reaches of the estuary, and finally running a range of scenarios to
develop predictors for inundation risk that can be used to forecast changes
associate with climate change driven weather patterns.

The project will be supervised by Associate Professor Karin Bryan (UW),
with assistance from Dr Scott Stephens (NIWA), Dr Julia Mullarney (UW),  Dr
Heide Friedrichs (UA) and the research programme leader Associate Professor
Giovanni Coco (UA). The student will be expected to interact with other
members of the wider team and contribute to programme workshops.

*Requirements:*
Applicants must have a research first-class Honours degree and/or a Masters
degree in coastal engineering, oceanography, Earth science or similar with
an equivalent A- or higher. The successful candidate will have evidence
that they are proficient in written and spoken English. They will have
experience with numerical modelling (ideally with Delft3D and Linux), and
have the proven ability to plan and undertake field work.

*Award:*
The three year PhD scholarship includes full waiver of PhD course fees,
tax-free annual stipend matching the University of Waikato scholarships and
research costs.
https://www.waikato.ac.nz/research/scholarships/pdf/UOWIntDoctScholTerms&Conditions.pdf

*Location:*
The student would join a vibrant group of ~15 PhD students and 6 staff,
working and living near some of world’s most beautiful landscapes. Both the
east and west coast are in easy driving distance, and the central plateau
mountains are 3-4 hours away.

*Application Procedure:*
To apply, please email Associate Prof Karin Bryan with a full C.V. (with
the contact details of at least one academic referee), English language
proficiency documentation if needed and accompanying letter of application.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted and discussion may begin
immediately. We will begin reviewing applications on *1 June 2016*. We need
a confirmed applicant by October 31st, 2016.

*Start date:*
The successful candidate should be available to start as soon as possible
after, 1st January, 2017.

*More information:*
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Associate
Professor Karin Bryan k.bryan@waikato.ac.nz

Posted on: 29/03/2016, by :