Value, Duration and Start Date of the Award
Value: Stipend of £19,000 per annum (year 1 & 2) rising to £20,000 per annum (year 3 & 4). This is open to UK/EU students only, depending on how you meet the eligibility criteria.

Duration: 4 years
Start Date: 2nd October 2015

Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
United Utilities

Project Description
The Environment Agency and Natural England have decided under the Habitats Regulations that Ennerdale Water in the Lake District needs to be restored to a ‘natural’ hydrological state. United Utilities will cease abstraction by 2022 but the date of weir removal depends on the status of the protected mussels in the River Ehen Special Area of Conservation.

The overall aim of the proposed project is to understand the natural flow regime in the River Ehen downstream of Ennerdale Water. A good understanding of the flow regime when the weir that impounds the lake is removed is required to inform decisions about timing of weir removal. Key questions are:

• What would the natural flow regime be in the River Ehen if the weir at Ennerdale Water was removed?
• How would the water level of Ennerdale Water change?
• What is the best estimate of the shape, slope and geomorphology of the outflow of Ennerdale Water and upper River Ehen?

The research will combine measurements together with the development of 1D/2D models of the catchment. It will include direct interaction with stakeholders and analysis of regulatory and ecological implications. The project will allow the development of new methodologies for hydroecological research and explore their application for joint decision-making with stakeholders.

Name of the Supervisor(s)
Dr Vedrana Kutija, School of Civil Engineering and Geomatics 
Dr Andy Large, School of Geography, Politics & Sociology
Dr Jaime Amezaga, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Person Specification and Eligibility Criteria
A first or upper second class honours and/or master’s degree in civil or environmental engineering; physical geography or related environmental programmes. Only UK/EU students may apply for this post.

How to Apply
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form. Only mandatory fields need to be completed. However, you will need to include the following information:

• insert the programme code 8811F in the programme of study section
• select ‘PhD School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences – Civil Engineering (Water Resources) as the programme of study
• insert the studentship code CI733 in the studentship/partnership reference field
• attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code CI733 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
• attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications
• You should also send your covering letter and CV to Justine Easten by email tojustine.easten<στο>newcastle.ac.uk. Please quote reference number C1733.

Closing Date for Applications: 14th May 2015. Interviews to be held week commencing 1st June 2015

Further Information
Please contact: Justine Easten Justine.easten<στο>newcastle.ac.uk