About the Program
This fully funded PhD project, “How resilient are complex cliffs to large landslides in a changed and changing climate?”, is offered by the University of Birmingham under the prestigious CENTA NERC Doctoral Training Partnership. The research explores how coastal landslide complexes respond to climate change, especially the reactivation of deep-seated failures along the English coastline. The project combines fieldwork, advanced geotechnical testing, numerical modelling, and remote sensing to evaluate future landslide behaviour. Supervised by Dr Jon Carey, with co-investigators from Birmingham and Jacobs, this PhD provides interdisciplinary training and the opportunity to generate new knowledge essential for coastal hazard assessment, risk management, and future climate resilience. The work aligns strongly with the Dynamic Earth theme and addresses urgent national environmental challenges.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Birmingham
- Department/Faculty: Geography and Environmental Science
- Supervisor: Dr Jon Carey
- Co-Supervisors: Dr Benedetta Dini, Professor Roger Moore (Jacobs), Dr Xilin Xia
- Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Start Date (Anticipated): October 2026
- Duration: 3.5 years
- Funding: Fully funded CENTA NERC studentship (tuition fees + stipend + training support)
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Required Degree/Diploma: At least a UK Upper Second Class degree or equivalent
Research Focus/Area
- Climate change impacts on coastal stability
- Coastal cliff erosion and landslide complexes
- Deep-seated landslide mechanisms
- Geotechnical testing and shear behaviour
- Remote sensing (Sentinel-1 interferometry)
- Numerical modelling (FEM/DEM, RAMMS)
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Upper Second Class degree (or equivalent) in Geology, Geography, Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related field
- Strong academic background
- English language proficiency for postgraduate study
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with geotechnical testing or numerical modelling
- Familiarity with GIS, remote sensing, or radar interferometry
- Research experience in landslides, geomorphology, or environmental hazards
Key Features of the Program
- Fieldwork at selected landslide sites along the English coastline
- Laboratory testing using advanced back-pressured shear box systems
- High-resolution remote sensing image processing
- State-of-the-art numerical modelling for hazard forecasting
- Collaboration with Jacobs and CENTA partners
- Access to world-class training, computing resources, and research support
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit the CENTA studentship application form and complete the University of Birmingham online application. Upload all documents through the application portal.
Required Documents:
- CENTA Studentship Application Form 2026
- Curriculum Vitae
- Names of at least two referees
- Academic transcripts
- Additional documents as required by the University of Birmingham
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Now
- Deadline: 7 January 2026 (23:59 GMT)
- Interviews: As scheduled by CENTA host institutions
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Birmingham
- Official Notification: CENTA PhD Projects
- Application Portal: click here
Learn about more PhD opportunities: HigherJobz
