Sampling design optimisation for uncertainty analysis of integrated water quality models. Part of Quantifying Uncertainty in Integrated Catchments Studies (QUICS) Initial Training Network.
Description
We are looking for a PhD student who will employ advanced geo-statistical methods to optimise sampling designs used in integrated catchment water quality modelling. Hydrologic and hydraulic models require input data and data for parameter calibration and validation. Data collection can be costly and must therefore be optimised to gain maximum information for a given budget. This PhD research will optimise sampling designs in space and time using statistical tools from spatial uncertainty propagation analysis, statistical sampling theory and Bayesian calibration. Various sampling design optimisation techniques will be developed and tested, by making a trade-off between the cost of data collection and model output accuracy. Testing and validation is done for a Soil Water Assessment Tool applied to a catchment in Luxembourg and for minimisation of spatial and temporal rainfall estimation errors using radar data and rain gauges for a study area in the UK.
This research is part of the EU-funded Marie Curie Initial Training Network project 'QUICS' (Grant agreement number 607000), in which partners from various universities, research institutes and commercial enterprises across Europe join forces to improve water quality management by assessing the uncertainty of integrated catchment model water quality predictions. The project involves twelve PhD students and four Postdocs.
Requirements
A candidate with an MSc degree or equivalent in applied mathematics, statistics or hydrological/hydraulic sciences. Proven experience with statistical modelling is required. Experience with numerical modelling and programming in R or Matlab is also desired. We expect a very good level of English, strong communication skills and ability to work in a team. Ability to travel within the network is essential, as currently the position includes secondments in Luxembourg (six months) and Bristol (three months).
Conditions of employment
A full time employment (38 hours a week) as PhD researcher within the Soil Geography and Landscape group for 18 months with a possible extension of 30 months after a positive evaluation. The gross salary will increase from € 2125,- in the first year up to € 2717,- per month in the fourth year (based on full time employment). We offer a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-the-year bonus of 8.3% of your annual salary. In addition to this salary you will receive a mobility allowance according to the rules of the Marie Curie ITN programme.
Further information
For full details on eligibility criteria, please visit www.quics.eu/applicationproc/eligibility.
Nr of positions available : 1
Research Fields
Engineering - Water resources engineering
Environmental science - Water science
Mathematics - Applied mathematics
Career Stage
Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Post graduate)
Research Profiles
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Benefits
Highly competitive salary plus mobility allowance in line with Marie Curie ITN rules.
Comment/web site for additional job details
Organisation
Wageningen UR
the Soil Geography and Landscape Group (SGL) of Wageningen University. Our mission is to improve and share understanding of soil patterns and landscape dynamics. We take an integrative approach that combines biophysical and human elements to gain insight in past, present and future system dynamics, and to support sustainable land management.
Wageningen University and Research Centre
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society - such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don't do this alone. Every day, 6,500 people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.
Requirements
| ENGLISH |
| Excellent |