PhD positions

Open PhD positions

All topics of Ph.D. research are open in the framework of ongoing grant projects.

The closest deadline for application is April 30, 2024 - however, the candidates should contact me in advance to discuss the details of the research program.

Further details and application are available in the Study Information System:  tinyurl.com/y64rdjob

Beyond Stationarity: Compound Impacts of Climate Change and Forest Disturbance on Hydrologic Extremes in Mountain Catchments

Changing climate, forest disturbance and stream modifications are the most significant drivers of runoff regime alterations in mid-latitude mountain catchments. Rising variability of runoff response, prolonged periods of drought, and changes in seasonal runoff distribution emerge as the key symptoms. However, the observed changes are complex and have different scope and magnitude in different environments.

The goal of the Ph.D. research project is the attribution of the effects of climate change and the landscape alteration on runoff response in mid-latitude montane catchments with a focus on extreme events - peak flows and droughts. The research will be carried out at different spatial scales, ranging from the small experimental catchments, equipped with the own sensor network monitoring and requiring field monitoring, to the complex basins with long-term observations. The attribution of the drivers to the given aspects of hydrological change will be done mostly using geostatistical analysis and modeling.

The proposed Ph.D. research will require skills in hydrological analysis and/or modeling, interest in learning new approaches, the ability of teamwork as well as independent research. Motivated students from geographic, hydrologic, or geoscientific disciplines with scientific curiosity and relevant skills are encouraged to apply.

The position is fully funded by the OP JAC Natural and Anthropogenic Georisks project at the Faculty of Science, Charles University. The candidate will be a member of the Research group of hydrology at the Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague. 


UAV monitoring of the dynamics of fluvial processes 

The PhD project is focused on the exploration of recent fluvial dynamics of streams using  advanced non-invasive monitoring techniques.

The research focuses on the analysis of the changing dynamics of fluvial processes in relation to the triggering factors - climate change, forest and landscape disturbances, changes in fluvial connectivity and anthropogenic modifications of the riverscape.

The research employs a combination of advanced techniques of instrument monitoring and numerical analysis and simulation. In particular, the monitoring involves the application of unmanned imaging techniques (UAV), ground LiDAR imaging, RFID monitoring of daytime running and optical granulometry. The tools for geoinformatic analysis and modeling are used for analysis.

The study area is primarily the headwaters of the montane streams in the Šumava (Bohemian Forest) region, possibly completed by the reference streams in areas with different dynamics of fluvial processes.


What you could expect?

What will be expected from you?

How to apply?

For more details and for application please contact me at jakub.langhammer@natur.cuni.cz.