It may not be the ideal answer politically but I believe the answer lays in networking as the solution is likely in who one knows. It would be especially advantageous for doctoral students to be aware of forthcoming contract positions e.g., hydro-logical USA positions at the National Water Center through networking and exploring their websites. This facilitates providing opportunity to discovering upcoming jobs and personnel in charge with all associated projects as well. Food for thought...
You can get a PhD student position with scholarship from the University (in Poland) or a position in a project with scholarship if your supervisor received a grant.