Formation of planetary systems / Simulations of exoplanet climates

The Astrophysics Group in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leeds are pleased to advertise one fully-funded PhD position in the general areas of exoplanet formation/protoplanetary disks/exoplanet atmospheres/exoplanet climate. The Astrophysics group has researchers working at the forefront of astrophysical observations and simulations of planet formation, and simulations of exoplanet atmospheres and climate. You will work with either Dr John Ilee to model the signatures of forming planets with the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), or with Dr Catherine Walsh to simulate the climate of exo-Earths. This project will be of interest to post-graduate researchers wishing to work at the cutting edge of exoplanetary formation and evolution.

<p>To date we have discovered more than 7,300 planets orbiting other stars, the so-called exoplanets. The diversity of observed exoplanetary systems is raising fundamental questions on how planets and planetary systems form and evolve, and the potential for rocky exoplanets to host habitable conditions. The <a href="https://ast.leeds.ac.uk/">Astrophysics Group</a> in the <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics">School of Physics and Astronomy</a> at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/">University of Leeds</a> has experts working at the forefront of multi-wavelength observations (e.g., <a href="https://www.almaobservatory.org/en/home/">ALMA</a>, <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/">JWST</a> and the upcoming <a href="https://www.skao.int/en">SKA</a>) of planet-forming disks around young stars to search for signatures of forming planets. We also use observations to probe the composition of planet-forming disks to test planet formation theories using sophisticated simulations. We also have expertise in the simulation of the climate and composition of exoplanetary atmospheres, from hot gas giants down to rocky worlds, including large, <a href="https://www.cesm.ucar.edu/models">coupled climate models</a> suitable for simulating Earth as an exoplanet through its geological history.</p> <p>We are pleased to announce <strong>one fully-funded PhD position in the general areas of exoplanet formation/protoplanetary disks/exoplanet atmospheres/exoplanet climate</strong>. Two possible projects are given below but projects can be tailored to the interests of the successful applicant.</p> <p><strong>Dr John Ilee - Unveiling the formation of planets with the Square Kilometre Array</strong></p> <p>Planets are born in extremely dense discs of dust and gas that surround young stars, making it difficult to observe planet formation in the act.  The upcoming Square Kilometre Array (<a href="https://www.skao.int/en">SKA</a>) is the world’s largest radio telescope and will have the power to ‘unveil’ planet forming discs with great clarity for the first time.  In this project, you will lay the groundwork for the first SKA observations of protoplanetary discs.  You will use data from current instruments such as ALMA, JWST and the VLA to characterise the growth and evolution of planet-forming dust grains in discs.  You will analyse how the distribution of cm-sized ‘pebbles’ in the disc changes at different evolutionary stages and as planets grow.  You will use your results to predict the appearance of the discs at SKA frequencies, determine the best targets and observing strategies, and take advantage of SKA early science operations in the next few years.</p> <p><strong>Dr Catherine Walsh - Simulating the climate and habitability of exo-Earths</strong></p> <p>You will use our in-house global climate model, <a href="https://ncar.ucar.edu/what-we-offer/models/whole-atmosphere-community-climate-model-waccm">WACCM</a>, to simulate the climate of Earth-like exoplanets in different orbital configurations, and around stars of different spectral types, including active M Dwarf stars. You will simulate the transmission and reflection/emission spectra from your simulated exo-Earths to determine the potential for future missions to detect and characterise their atmospheres. You will also assess their surface habitability, to contrast with the habitability of Earth and other Solar System planets.</p> <p> </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>Formation of planetary systems / Simulations of exoplanet climates (if interested in both projects, please list both on your application as all applications will be assessed in one pool)</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/5592/dr-john-ilee">Dr John Ilee</a> or <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/4137/dr-catherine-walsh">Dr Catherine Walsh</a> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source your are applying for is STFC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship 2025/26.</strong></em></p> <p>We will begin review of applications from <strong>Monday 13th January 2025 with the aim to conduct interviews during the first week of February. </strong>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 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> <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>

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><strong>Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Studentship 2025/26 – Priority Project</strong></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive STFC 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.<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 /> <strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about the projects on offer and about research in the Astrophysics Group, please contact Dr John Ilee and/or Dr Catherine Walsh:</p> <p>e: <a href="mailto:J.D.Ilee@leeds.ac.uk">J.D.Ilee@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>e: <a href="mailto:C.Walsh1@leeds.ac.uk">C.Walsh1@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For general enquiries regarding the PhD applications system, please contact the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences PGR admissions team:</p> <p>e: <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>