PhD Studentship in Planetary/Interstellar Chemistry

The School of Chemistry is offering a PhD studentship, funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), in the general areas of planetary and interstellar chemistry. The studentship is for 3.5 years, with a start date of 1 October 2024. The primary supervisor will be either Professor Dwayne Heard or Professor John Plane, and the project can be a blend of experimental laboratory work and atmospheric modelling. Co-supervisors may include staff from the Schools of Chemistry, Physics & Astronomy, and Earth & Environment at Leeds. Current areas of research in the School include: cold interstellar chemistry; dust formation in the circumstellar envelopes of evolved stars; the chemistry of metals which ablate from cosmic dust, and the formation of ice clouds, in the atmospheres of Mars and Venus; and the atmospheric composition, chemistry and habitability of rocky exoplanets. Applications are encouraged in any of these general areas. Enquires are welcome to Dwayne Heard (d.e.heard@leeds.ac.uk) and John Plane (j.m.c.plane@leeds.ac.uk). Applicants should have a degree in chemistry, physics, astronomy or related subjects. Note that this studentship is open to both UK and international students.

<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 pplying for <em><strong>PHD Chemistry FT</strong></em>&nbsp;and in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">PhD Studentship in Planetary/Interstellar Chemistry</span></span></span></strong></em> as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4175/professor-dwayne-heard-">Professor Dwayne Heard</a> or <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4195/professor-john-plane-frs">Professor John Plane</a> as your proposed supervisor.&nbsp; Please state in the Finance section that the funding you are applying for is&nbsp;<em><strong>STFC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship.</strong></em></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>&nbsp;</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date for applications. &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 8 May 2024:</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> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>

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 chemistry, physics, astronomy or related subjects. 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 Science &amp; Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship offering the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of &pound;19,237 per year for 3.5&nbsp;years. Training and support will also be provided.<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.<br /> <br /> <em><strong>Important:</strong></em>&nbsp; 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 <em><strong>not</strong></em> covered under this studentship.</p> <p>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 class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about this project, please contact Professor Dwayne Heard by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:D.E.Heard@leeds.ac.uk">D.E.Heard@leeds.ac.uk</a>&nbsp;or Professor John Plane by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:J.M.C.Plane@leeds.ac.uk">J.M.C.Plane@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>