Climate change is bringing more intense rainfall and periods of drought to Scotland, putting increasing pressure on farms, soils and water resources. How can we identify land that is most vulnerable to flooding or water shortages before damage occurs? The answer may lie beneath our feet.
Most soil assessments focus on the surface, yet deeper layers can strongly influence how quickly water enters the ground, how much it stores and how it moves during wet and dry periods. DeepSoil will investigate these hidden processes by combining field measurements, soil laboratory analysis, machine learning and spatial modelling.
This 3.5 year PhD is a joint project between the James Hutton Institute and Abertay University. The successful candidate will work at two contrasting research sites: the Centre for Sustainable Cropping at Balruddery, where regenerative and conventional management practices can be compared, and the Glensaugh Climate-Positive Farming Initiative, representing upland farming conditions.
The student will use Cone Penetration Testing (CPT), a technique that measures soil resistance and related properties through the soil profile, alongside soil cores and laboratory tests. Together, these observations will help develop and validate two project-defined indicators: infiltration capacity (I*), describing how readily soil can take in water, and storage potential (S*), describing its capacity to retain water.
Using machine learning, geostatistics and environmental datasets, the student will turn field observations into high-resolution maps, targeting approximately 10 m resolution at field scale and 25 m at catchment scale. Crucially, the maps will also show uncertainty, helping users understand where predictions are reliable and where more measurements are needed. Rainfall, soil moisture, climate and river-flow information will then be integrated to investigate potential flood and drought hotspots.
The successful candidate will have scope to shape the research, from experimental design and model choice to the way findings are communicated through maps and decision-support tools. Training will span field instrumentation, soil hydrology, laboratory methods, GIS, programming and environmental machine learning, supported by researchers from both institutions.
We welcome applicants interested in soil science, environmental science, geography, geotechnical engineering, data science or related subjects. Experience in every technique is not expected; curiosity, quantitative thinking and an interest in applied environmental research are particularly valuable.
The project aims to provide practical tools that help land managers and policymakers identify soil vulnerabilities and make better-informed decisions about climate resilience, farming and water management.
Funding Notes:
This 3.5yr PhD project is a competition jointly funded by The James Hutton Institute and Abertay University. This opportunity is open to students worldwide and will provide funding to cover a stipend and UK level tuition. Students must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the UKRI guidance on UK and international candidates. Applicants will have a first-class, 2.1 honours degree, or Masters in a relevant subject.
How to Apply:
To obtain application forms and further details of how to apply, please click 'Apply Now'. Please note that the closing date for applications is 11/01/2027.
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
Any applications that miss the deadline will not be considered.
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.
The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Silver Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
The Company
The James Hutton Institute combines strengths in crops, soils and land use and environmental research, and makes a major contribution to the understanding of key global issues, such as food, energy and environmental security, and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions to these.
James Hutton (1726 – 1797) was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, an eighteenth century golden age of intellectual and scientific achievements centred on Edinburgh. He is internationally regarded as the founder of modern geology and one of the first scientists to describe the Earth as a living system. His thinking on natural selection influenced Charles Darwin in developing his theory of evolution.
Our Values
PhD Student Vacancy. DeepSoil: Integrated Soil Hydrological Assessment with CPT–ML for Flood & Drought Risk Screening in Dundee employer: The James Hutton Institute
The James Hutton Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes employee growth. With a commitment to flexible working and a focus on impactful research in ecological science, employees have the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects while benefiting from professional development and collaboration with a range of stakeholders. Located in a vibrant academic environment, the Institute fosters creativity and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to contribute to significant global challenges.
Contact Details:
The James Hutton Institute Recruitment Team
