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PhD in Water Engineering


Effective use of short range weather forecasting in sewer network operations

University of Exeter

Ref: 1187
 About the award
Location: Streatham Campus, University of Exeter, EX4 4QJ
Primary supervisor: Dr Guangtao Fu, University of Exeter
Secondary supervisor: Professor David Butler, University of Exeter
This project presents an opportunity for an outstanding candidate to pursue a PhD in the exciting field of Water Engineering using QPFs, a real time management tool focusing on prioritizing flood alerts to network operators. These are used to improve their proactive response to sewer flooding by extending the lead times using QPFs of different forecast horizons.
The tool will include several components: data, simulation, decision making and visualisation, which will be integrated into one interactive graphical environment. It will provide decision support on operational and capital interventions in light of having timely and reasonably accurate forecast information, with an aim to improving sewer network management performance.
This successful student will work closely with Northumbrian Water, and will have to spend a significant amount of time at Northumbrian Water and travel regularly between Exeter and Durham to gain a full appreciation of the operational and systems practicalities of Northumbrian Water sewer networks.
For informal enquiries contact Dr Guangtao Fu at g.fu@exeter.ac.uk
Application Criteria
Applicants should have or expect to achieve a good (2:1 or higher) first degree in Water and Environmental Engineering, computer science, or relevant fields. An interest and/or experience in water system modelling, computer simulation or software development is desirable.
 Summary
 
 Application deadline: 31st May 2013
 Number of awards: 1
 Value: Three-year studentship: Tuition fees (UK/EU) and a a tax free enhanced stipend
 of £19,000 per year in the first two years and £20,000 per year in the last two years.
 Duration of award: per year
 Contact: Liz Roberts emps-pgr@exeter.ac.uk
 
 How to Apply
 
 To Apply, please click 'Apply' below. You will be asked to submit some 
 personal details and upload a full CV, covering letter and details of two academic
 referees. Your covering letter should outline your academic interests, prior research 
 experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project.
 
 For general enquiries please contact Liz Roberts by emailing emps-pgr@exeter.ac.uk
Apply