Fully-funded PhD Studentship in Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics

We are delighted to offer a fully funded PhD studentship and applications are invited from strongly motivated and academically excellent candidates for fully-funded PhD study in astrophysical fluid dynamics in the Department of Applied Mathematics, School of Mathematics, at Leeds.

<p><strong>Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics</strong></p> <p>We are actively engaged in research on a wide range of topics involving <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths-astrophysical-geophysical-fluid-dynamics">Astrophysical and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics</a> and our group in Leeds is one of the largest and strongest in this field internationally. Research areas in astrophysical fluids include planetary and extrasolar planetary dynamics (the geodynamo, planetary dynamos, tidal interactions between planets and stars, planet formation and the dynamics of astrophysical discs), solar and stellar dynamics (dynamo theory, magnetohydrodynamic instabilities and turbulence), as well as galactic and extragalactic dynamics on the largest scales. The wider AGFD group also has expertise in Earth’s atmosphere and oceans (waves, hydrodynamic instabilities and bifurcations, turbulence, data assimilation for numerical weather prediction) and flows at the Earth’s surface (flooding, beach dynamics, porous media, glaciers, dry salt lakes). This particular PhD studentship is open to PhD projects in astrophysical fluid dynamics.</p> <p><strong>Academic Supervisors</strong> (please contact individual supervisors by email, listed below).</p> <p><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4006/prof-adrian-j-barker">Professor Adrian Barker</a> – extrasolar planets; tidal interactions between planets and stars; astrophysical fluid dynamics; waves, instabilities and turbulence in astrophysics; convection; magnetohydrodynamics. Please contact Professor Adrian Barker by email to <a href="mailto:A.J.Barker@leeds.ac.uk">A.J.Barker@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4031/dr-stephen-griffiths">Dr Stephen Griffiths</a>: applied mathematics; fluid dynamics; atmospheric and oceanic flows; magnetohydrodynamics; instability theory; linear and nonlinear waves; ocean tides; numerical modelling. Please contact Dr Stephen Griffiths by email to <a href="mailto:S.D.Griffiths@leeds.ac.uk">S.D.Griffiths@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4020/professor-sam-falle">Professor Sam Falle</a>: numerical methods; compressible flow; magneto-gas dynamics; detonations; chemotaxis.  Please contact Professor Sam Falle by email to <a href="mailto:S.A.E.G.Falle@leeds.ac.uk">S.A.E.G.Falle@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4036/professor-rainer-hollerbach">Professor Rainer Hollerbach</a>: magnetohydrodynamics; dynamo theory; hydrodynamic stability theory. Please contact Professor Rainer Hollerbach by email to <a href="mailto:R.Hollerbach@leeds.ac.uk">R.Hollerbach@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4039/professor-david-hughes">Professor David Hughes</a>: applied mathematics; fluid dynamics; magnetohydrodynamics; astrophysical and geophysical applications; instability theory; dynamo theory; turbulence; numerical modelling. Please contact Professor David Hughes by email to <a href="mailto:D.W.Hughes@leeds.ac.uk">D.W.Hughes@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4045/dr-evy-kersale">Dr Evy Kersalé</a>: fluid dynamics; astrophysical and stellar fluids; magnetohydrodynamics; computational methods. Please contact Dr Evy Kersalé by email to <a href="mailto:E.Kersale@leeds.ac.uk">E.Kersale@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4050/professor-serguei-komissarov">Professor Serguei Komissarov</a>: Computational physics; electrodynamics of black holes; relativistic magnetohydrodynamics; active galactic nuclei; neutron stars and pulsar wind nebulae; gamma ray bursts. Dynamics of alpine skiing. Please contact Professor Serguei Komissarov by email to <a href="mailto:S.S.Komissarov@leeds.ac.uk">S.S.Komissarov@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>All successful applicants without funding will be considered for both this STFC funding, and for a fully-funded scholarship in an open competition across the entire School of Maths.</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 Applied Mathematics FT</strong></em>, in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Fully-funded PhD Studentship in Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics.</strong></em> Please include the name of your preferred supervisor as listed. Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>STFC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship 2025/26.</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>Applications will be considered after the closing date. 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>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 28 February 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 (a Research Proposal is not required)</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.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">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.</p> <p>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><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 class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>Please contact individual supervisors if you have any project-specific questions.</p>