Fully-funded PhD Studentship in Astrophysical & Geophysical Fluid Dynamics and Industrial Mathematics

We are delighted to offer a fully funded PhD studentship and applications are invited from strongly motivated and academically excellent candidates for PhD study in Astrophysical & Geophysical Fluid Dynamics and Industrial Mathematics, within these strategic priority Research areas:

<p><strong>Astrophysical & Geophysical Fluid Dynamics: <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4006/prof-adrian-j-barker">Professor Adrian Barker</a></strong>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4007/dr-cedric-beaume"><strong>Dr Cédric Beaume</strong></a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4009/professor-onno-bokhove"><strong>Professor Onno Bokhove</strong></a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4031/dr-stephen-griffiths"><strong>Dr Stephen Griffiths</strong></a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4036/professor-rainer-hollerbach"><strong>Professor Rainer Hollerbach</strong></a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4039/professor-david-hughes"><strong>Professor David Hughes</strong></a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4045/dr-evy-kersale"><strong>Dr Evy Kersalé</strong></a>, <strong><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4050/professor-serguei-komissarov">Professor Serguei Komissarov</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/9226/douglas-parker">Professor Doug Parker</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4072/dr-sam-pegler">Dr Sam Pegler</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/10606/dr-srikanth-toppaladoddi">Dr Srikanth Toppaladoddi</a></strong></p> <p>We are actively engaged in research on a wide range of topics involving astrophysical and geophysical fluid dynamics and our group is one of the largest and strongest in this field internationally. Research topics include dynamics of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans (waves, hydrodynamic instabilities and bifurcations, turbulence, data assimilation for numerical weather prediction), flows at the Earth’s surface (flooding, beach dynamics, porous media, glaciers, dry salt lakes), planetary and extrasolar planetary dynamics (the geodynamo, planetary dynamos, tidal interactions between planets and stars, planet formation), solar and stellar dynamics (dynamo theory, magnetohydrodynamic instabilities and turbulence), as well as galactic and extragalactic dynamics on the largest scales.</p> <p><strong>Complex Materials and Industrial Mathematics: <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4019/dr-mike-evans-">Dr Mike Evans</a></strong>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4022/dr-steve-fitzgerald"><strong>Dr Steve Fitzgerald</strong></a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4035/dr-oliver-harlen"><strong>Dr Oliver Harlen</strong></a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4052/professor-daniel-lesnic"><strong>Dr Daniel Lesnic</strong></a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4067/dr-jitse-niesen"><strong>Dr Jitse Niesen</strong></a>, <strong>Dr Claire McIlroy</strong> (<a href="mailto:c.mcilroy@leeds.ac.uk">c.mcilroy@leeds.ac.uk</a>), <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4074/professor-daniel-read"><strong>Professor Daniel Read</strong></a></p> <p>Our research is concerned with the development of theoretical and numerical techniques for solving continuum and molecular-level model processes, with industrial applications such as additive manufacturing. We have a specific focus on polymeric materials, soft matter and complex fluids such as particle suspensions, colloids and biological fluids. We collaborate closely with researchers in physics, food science, and engineering. We are involved in several large, multidisciplinary projects, including the Centres for Doctoral Training in Future Fluid Dynamics and Soft Matter and Functional Interfaces and the Rebond Doctoral Training Network. We also have interests in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics; crystal defects; dislocations; elasticity; stochastic differential equations; inverse problems.</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>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Fully-funded PhD Studentship in Astrophysical & Geophysical Fluid Dynamics and Industrial Mathematics.</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>EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2025/26: Applied Mathematics.</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 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.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 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 EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p><em><strong>Important: </strong></em>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 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 listed for information about projects.</p>