About the Project
In 2021 the worst flooding in living memory in South Sudan affected over 835,000 people in communities already suffering from the protracted conflict. This flooding has elevated food insecurity, increased rates of water-borne and vector-borne diseases and limited access to healthcare. Women and children are disproportionately represented in flood-affected displacement camps in South Sudan and refugee settlement camps in Uganda and are more vulnerable to the flood impacts. Anticipatory humanitarian action has the potential to provide targeted, timely support before a disaster strikes. However, in South Sudan, humanitarian operations are more complex because of conflict and displacement and have been limited by the hydrological forecast models which, although have sufficient skill for anticipatory action elsewhere, have poor skill in the White Nile River catchment. Humanitarian organisations operating in South Sudan (including Medecins Sans Frontier, the United Nations and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement) have reached out to scientists developing these forecast models to request dedicated support to improve the modelling given the huge humanitarian need.
The aim of the INFLOW project is to deliver a step-change in our ability to anticipate flooding and its differential impacts on conflict-affected communities along the White Nile. A transdisciplinary team of mandated government agencies, regional forecasting bodies, academic institutions and humanitarian partners, led by ICPAC, a regional forecasting body, will deliver decision-led research while enhancing both early warning capacity in the mandated national authorities and robust early action capacity within humanitarian agencies working in these complex settings.
The main objective of the PhD studentship will be to examine wetland dynamics in the Sudd wetlands and upstream parts of the White Nile / Victoria Nile catchment by supplementing the limited in-situ data with satellite remote sensing data. Potential areas of focus include analysis of the spatial and temporal variability of the inundated area of the Sudd, and how the seasonal wetting and drying of wetlands as well as variations in the water storage components upstream influence flood hazard in the region.
Training opportunities
The student would join the INFLOW interdisciplinary and international team of experts developing the very latest science for decision-making. Through registration at the University of Reading the student will have access to a comprehensive skills training programme, which includes online courses in Meteorology (https://www.reading.ac.uk/meteorology/online-courses/classes). They will be highly encouraged to join relevant research groups including water@reading, TAMSAT and tropical research groups, with weekly meetings and journal clubs. In addition, a generous training budget will allow the student to attend and present at international conferences and INFLOW project meetings either in Reading or in Nairobi. The student will be strongly encouraged to publish their work in peer reviewed journals and participate in the generation of executive summaries for relevant stakeholder organizations.
Eligibility Requirements
Due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is open to Uganda and South Sudan nationals only.
A postgraduate university degree (MSc) in hydrological, meteorological or climate science and Geosciences (e.g physical Geography) is recommended.
Good knowledge in spoken and written English language.
The ideal candidate would have undertaken an undergraduate or MSc-level research project in which they used coding skills (such as Python, R or similar) to analyse large datasets.
Experience in using remote sensing data products like LANDSAT, SENTINEL, SMAP, GRACE, TAMSAT among others.
Knowledge of hydrologic and hydrodynamic models like SWAT, LISFLOOD, and HEC-HMS is an added advantage.
Ability to work independently, as well as within a multidisciplinary team.
To apply
To apply, please submit an application through the University of Reading applications portal: https://www.reading.ac.uk/meteorology/phd/how-to-apply-for-a-phd. You should apply for the PhD in Atmosphere, Oceans and Climate, you do not need to submit a research proposal.
Applications should be made before the deadline on 15th December 2023 at 5pm EAT. Interviews will be held in early January. The successful candidate will start as soon as possible. We particularly encourage applications from women and / or people with a disability.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Dr. Ross Maidment (r.i.maidment@reading.ac.uk), or Dr. Jamiat Nanteza (jamiat.nanteza@mak.ac.ug or nantezajmt8@gmail.com).
Funding Notes
Funding is available for nationals of Uganda or South Sudan through the project “Improved ANticipation of Floods on the White Nile” (INFLOW), which is funded by CLARE, a £110m UK-Canada framework research programme on Climate Risks and Resilience.
The student will receive a stipend from and be based at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, while registered as a distance-learning student with the University of Reading. The scholarship comprises distance-learning tuition fees, a stipend of £9600 a year, a total research training grant of up to £9000 as well as visa fees and travel costs to attend project activities.
