"PhD Studentship : Observations and methods to discover Earth-like exoplanets"

Finding out whether biology has arisen elsewhere in the Universe has likely been a question as old as humanity itself. At Birmingham we are leading on answering that question thanks to our participation in the only set of telescopes currently able to identify new habitable rocky planets whose atmosphere can then be probed for evidence of biological processes. We use the SPECULOOS network of telescopes across the world to do this work as well as a telescope located in Antarctica called ASTEP. We also analyse data obtained by NASA’s TESS satellite to complement our analyses. SPECULOOS and ASTEP also spend time to confirm long period gas-giants, an essential population to understand the context of planet formation.

Information about the Sun, Stars & Exoplanets research group in Birmingham can be found at https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centres-institutes/research-in-physics-and-astronomy/astronomy-and-experimental-gravity/sun-stars-and-exoplanets. Our group has 5 permanent academics, 12 postdoctoral researchers, and 10 PhD students and is gender-balanced. In 2024, a PhD student within our group was awarded the Royal Astronomical Society’s prize for best PhD thesis in the UK.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.

Note that we do not accept CVs and applications sent directly to us by email. Follow the links towards the application portal. 

There are two types of scholarships available in Birmingham via STFC or through the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. These are fully-funded scholarships for UK students (tuition fees + a living stipend). This year, we are are unlikely to be in a position to offer a fully-funded international scholarship. 

To apply, please click the 'Apply' button above.

For information contact:

sasp-phd@contacts.bham.ac.uk

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/how-to-apply/advertised-phd 

If you wish to be considered for several projects, please do only one application and list the projects in order of preference in your cover letter. 

If you are an EU citizen with pre-settled or settled status, please indicate so in your cover letter.

Deadline for application is 15 January.

Funding notes: 

There are two types of scholarships available in Birmingham: via STFC or through the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. These are fully-funded scholarships for UK students (tuition fees + a living stipend). This year, we are are unlikely to be in a position to offer a fully-funded international scholarship.