Volatile evolution during planet formation

Planet formation begins with the growth of dust grains from micron sizes to the millimetre sizes seen in proto-planetary discs. However, the processes that convert these millimetre-sized grains into planets are poorly understood. One way that we can study these grains is through their impact on the composition of discs, and the planets that they form. They key to this is that the dust grains are an important reservoir of volatile ices that evolve alongside the grains. In this PhD you will use hydrodynamic simulations of proto-planetary discs and planet formation to explore the evolution of these ices to study how the composition of the discs, and ultimately the planets, evolves.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Planet formation begins with the growth of dust grains from micron sizes to the millimetre sizes seen in proto-planetary discs. However, the processes that convert these millimetre-sized grains into planets are poorly understood. One way that we can study these grains is through their impact on the composition of discs, and the planets that they form. They key to this is that the dust grains are an important reservoir of volatile ices that evolve alongside the grains. In this PhD you will study how the dynamics of dust grains affects the composition of discs and planets.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Two areas of particular interest are:&nbsp;</p> <ol> <li>One of the most favourable locations for planet formation is the water ice line, where water evaporates from the surfaces of dust grains. At this location small changes in temperature can lead to large changes in the amount of water on the surfaces of the dust grains. We will investigate how the heating of gas by planets forming at this location affects the composition of the dust grains and explore the consequences for the water content of planets.&nbsp;</li> </ol> <ol start="2"> <li>High energy radiation drives winds that are thought to play a critical role in the evolution of protoplanetary discs. These winds also remove gas and dust from the upper layer of the disc, which must be replenished by cold material arriving from below. Surprisingly, the impact of these winds has never been studied. Understanding this process is important to understand how the composition of the upper layers of the disc, which are readily observed by facilities like ALMA, are linked to disc mid-plane where planets form. We will explore how these winds affect the growth of millimetre sized grains, the composition of the disc and the consequences for planet formation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> </ol> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">The project is largely computational / numerical in nature and will use computer codes developed in C/C++ , CUDA, and python.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Physics &amp; Astronomy FT</strong></em> and in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Volatile evolution during planet formation</strong></em> as well as&nbsp;<strong>Dr Richard Booth</strong> and <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/4123/dr-o-panic">Dr Olja Panic</a> as your proposed supervisors.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 31 March 2023:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> <li>Funding information including any alternative sources of funding that you are applying for or if you are able to pay your own fees and maintenance</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive STFC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship consisting of the award of fees with a maintenance grant (currently &pound;17,668 in academic session 2022/23) for 3.5&nbsp;years.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to all applicants. All candidates will be placed into the STFC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p>UK&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> are available to UK applicants. &nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p>Non-UK &ndash; The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/63-school-of-physics-astronomy-partial-fee-only-scholarship">School of Physics &amp; Astronomy Partial Fee Scholarship&nbsp;</a>is available to support the additional academic fees of Non-UK applicants. &nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a>&nbsp;is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><strong>Important:&nbsp;</strong> Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are not covered under this studentship.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Please refer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a>&nbsp;website for&nbsp;information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Richard Booth<br /> e:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:r.a.booth@leeds.ac.uk">r.a.booth@leeds.ac.uk</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions<br /> e:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>