Numerical modelling of late infall onto protoplanetary discs

Stars are born with protoplanetary discs, flat structures of gas and dust that accrete onto the central star. It is within these discs that planets form and evolve before emerging as a fully-fledged planetary system when the disc material has all been accreted or dissipated. Until fairly recently, protoplanetary discs were mostly modelled as isolated systems to study the physical processes driving their evolution and the molecules formed within them. In the last couple of years observations have revealed several examples of streamers of gas that appear to connect with a protoplanetary disc. These may indicate ongoing accretion onto discs after the star and disc first formed. <br /> <br /> The project will involve developing numerical simulations of infalling gas onto protoplanetary discs using national HPC facilities and analysing the results. There is scope for investigating the chemical evolution of the accreting disc as well as the evolution of the physical structure, and for working on comparison to observations. This project is ideally suited to a candidate who enjoys coding and who is looking to work on a computational project.

<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>in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Numerical modelling of late infall onto protoplanetary discs</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/16422/dr-alison-young">Dr Alison Young</a> as your proposed supervisor and in the finance section, the funding source you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>STFC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship 2026/27</strong></em>.</p> <p style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">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 13 February 2026:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme</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 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 (£20,780 in academic session 2025/26) 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.</p> <p>Please note that there is only 1 funded place available.  If you are successful in securing an academic offer, this does not constitute an offer of funding.</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>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> <p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Alison Yong by email to <a href="mailto:A.K.Young@leeds.ac.uk">A.K.Young@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>