The formation and evolution of exoplanets

Planets form in cold, dusty accretion discs that surround young stars, but the details of many processes involved in planet formation and evolution are poorly understood. We can get a better understanding of planet formation by studying these discs. Two areas of particular interest are: 1) developing ways to find planets hidden in these discs through their interactions with the disc, and 2) understanding how the building blocks of planets evolve. In this PhD, you will work on one or both problems.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">The first project will explore using spiral structures generated by the planet to find planets and measure their masses. Existing efforts to do this predict that planets should be easier to find than they have been but are based on idealized models that may be too optimistic.  In this work you will use fluid dynamics simulations to simulate the dynamics of the spirals, investigating how processes such as realistic heating and cooling and turbulence affect the spiral properties. These results will be used to interpret and provide insight into the properties of planets derived from detections of spirals.</p> <p>The second project investigates the chemical evolution of the key planetary building blocks, the gas and solid dust grains in discs.  While the physical evolution and chemical evolution have been investigated extensively, most investigations consider only one of these processes. However, observations with the Atacama Large Millimeter Array make it clear that physical and chemical processes must be acting in tandem. In this work you will explore the combined effects of physical and chemical evolution of planetary building blocks.</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>, in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>The formation and evolution of exoplanets</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 that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>Royal Society: Physics & Astronomy 2026/27</strong></em>.</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Friday 13 March 2026.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact 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><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 13 March 2026:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including 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.

<div class="cms"> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">A highly competitive Royal Society-funded 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.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">The funding is available to UK home-rated applicants 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>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> </p> </div>

<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 Richard Booth by email to <a href="mailto:A.K.Young@leeds.ac.uk">r.a.booth@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>