The formation and evolution of planets

We are pleased to advertise a fully-funded PhD position in planet formation and evolution. While we now know that planetary systems are ubiquitous, most planetary systems are quite unlike our own, and it is unclear how these planets came to be. You will work with Dr Richard Booth to investigate how the solid components of planets are assembled from the micron- to millimetre-sized dust grains present in ‘protoplanetary’ discs. You will use theory and numerical simulations to tackle this problem from a range of directions, for example, by studying how growing planets affect their environments.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">With the arrival of JWST, we can now characterize the atmospheres of exoplanets, which is driving a demand to understand the atmospheres of these planets and tell us about how the planets formed and evolved. Knowing how the building blocks of planets evolve is central to achieving this. You will investigate how planets affect the building blocks in their surroundings, using your results to interpret the latest observational results. By choosing the University of Leeds, you will join a thriving group of researchers studying star and planet formation, exoplanets, and planetary climate.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Please note that funding is time-limited and you must be able to start your PhD by no later than 1 October 2025.</strong></p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Physics & Astronomy FT</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>The formation and fate of planetary systems</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/12394/dr-richard-booth">Dr Richard Booth</a> as your proposed supervisor.  Please state in the Finance section <em><strong>the funding source you are applying for is Leverhulme Trust Studentship: Physics.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University'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 style="margin-bottom:11px">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  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 style="margin-bottom:11px">Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Wednesday 8 January 2025:</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>

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.

<div class="cms"> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br /> <br /> Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p> </div>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">For further information about this project, please contact Dr Richard Booth by email to <a href="mailto:R.A.Booth@leeds.ac.uk">R.A.Booth@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>