Researchers passionate about climate resilience and sustainable flood management have a new opportunity as Trinity College Dublin announces a fully funded four-year PhD focusing on nature-based solutions for flood adaptation in Ireland.
Trinity College Dublin is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD in Fluvial Geomorphology, offering successful candidates the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research into nature-based solutions (NbS) for flood management at the catchment scale.
The doctoral project forms part of the AIB Trinity Climate Hub Trinity Research Doctorate Award (TRDA) 2026–2030, an interdisciplinary initiative exploring innovative approaches to climate adaptation and environmental resilience.
Applications close on Monday, 20 July 2026, with the successful candidate expected to begin the programme on 1 September 2026.
Research to Advance Climate-Resilient Flood Management
The PhD will investigate how combinations of nature-based interventions can reduce flood risks across entire river catchments while improving ecosystem resilience.
Based primarily on field research, the project will examine measures such as floodplain reconnection, riparian woodland restoration, leaky barriers, peatland restoration, wetland creation, and river channel re-naturalisation. The research aims to build scientific evidence on how these interventions work together to reduce flooding, manage sediment transport, and improve river system health.
A central focus of the project is testing the “treatment train” approach, which explores how multiple nature-based solutions can be strategically combined from upstream headwaters to downstream flood-prone areas to maximise flood protection.
Researchers will investigate how different interventions interact under varying storm conditions and assess their collective impact on peak river flows, runoff generation, and channel-floodplain dynamics.
Part of Major Climate Research Initiative
The PhD is one of four interconnected doctoral projects within the broader Landscape Living Lab: Catchment Monitoring, Modelling, and Management programme.
The wider research initiative focuses on four key themes:
- Monitoring current environmental conditions
- Modelling future climate resilience
- Understanding historical environmental change
- Developing evidence-based management strategies
The successful candidate will be supervised by Professor Mary Bourke of Trinity College’s School of Natural Sciences, with co-supervision from Associate Professor John Gallagher of the School of Engineering and Dr Paul Quinn of the James Hutton Institute.
Extensive Fieldwork and Environmental Monitoring
The project combines practical fieldwork with hydrological modelling and environmental monitoring.
The doctoral researcher will help design and implement monitoring systems using technologies such as:
- Water level and river discharge sensors
- Sediment sampling equipment
- RTK and drone (UAV) surveys
- Geomorphic mapping techniques
- GIS-based environmental analysis
- Hydrological modelling tools
Research findings will support the development of improved strategies for large-scale flood adaptation and provide evidence to inform environmental policy and future climate resilience planning.
Who Can Apply?
Trinity College is seeking highly motivated applicants with an honours degree or master’s qualification in:
- Physical Geography
- Geoscience
- Environmental Science
- Hydrology
- Civil or Environmental Engineering
- Related disciplines
Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in river systems, flood risk management, geomorphology, and nature-based climate solutions.
Previous experience in GIS, environmental monitoring, or modelling is considered advantageous but is not essential.
Because the project involves significant fieldwork, candidates must hold a valid driving licence recognised in Ireland or be eligible to transfer their licence upon arrival. Applicants who are unable to drive are not eligible for the position.
Funding and Professional Development
The scholarship provides a tax-free annual stipend of €25,000 for four years and covers full tuition fees through the Trinity Research Doctorate Award scheme in partnership with the AIB Climate Hub.
Beyond financial support, the successful candidate will receive specialist training in:
- Nature-based flood management
- Environmental monitoring techniques
- Hydrological and geomorphological data analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Science communication and policy engagement
The researcher will collaborate with local authorities, government agencies, environmental practitioners, and community stakeholders while contributing to evidence that supports the wider adoption of nature-based flood management across Ireland.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit a CV, including the contact details of two referees, together with a one to two-page personal statement outlining their interest in the project, suitability for the role, and confirmation that they hold (or will obtain) the legal authority to drive in Ireland.
Applications should be emailed to Professor Mary Bourke with the subject line “Trinity College PhD Application – NbS for Flood’s” no later than 20 July 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews in late July before completing Trinity College Dublin’s formal doctoral admission process.
The opportunity offers aspiring environmental researchers the chance to contribute to internationally relevant climate adaptation research while helping shape the future of sustainable flood management through science-based, nature-driven solutions.
