PhD Studentship : Bayesian Hierarchical Modelling of Stellar Populations for Exoplanet Host Characterisation

Precise knowledge of stellar properties is the cornerstone of exoplanet science. Every measurement of an exoplanet’s radius, mass, and age depends critically on our understanding of its host star. Yet, many stellar and planetary parameters remain systematically uncertain due to limitations in stellar modelling and data interpretation.

This PhD project will develop Bayesian Hierarchical Models (BHMs) to infer the fundamental parameters of large stellar populations and their hosted planets in a statistically self-consistent way. By jointly modelling ensembles of stars and incorporating high-quality asteroseismic, spectroscopic, and photometric data, the student will produce revised stellar and planetary parameters that directly feed into next-generation exoplanet demographic studies.

Scientific Aims

The project will:
• Build hierarchical Bayesian frameworks to jointly infer stellar population parameters and individual stellar properties.
• Combine asteroseismic, spectroscopic, and photometric constraints using modern Bayesian inference tools.
• Propagate uncertainties coherently into derived exoplanet parameters (e.g. radii, masses, ages).
• Apply the resulting models to benchmark datasets from Kepler, TESS, and PLATO to reassess trends in exoplanet occurrence, structure, and evolution.

Methods and Tools

The project will involve:
• Bayesian inference (hierarchical models, posterior predictive checking, model comparison)
• Computational modelling with Python and Dynesty, JAX, NumPyro, and PyTorch
• Use of asteroseismic and spectroscopic survey data (e.g. PLATO, Gaia, APOGEE, TESS)
• High-performance computing and simulation-based inference (e.g. neural network emulators or nested sampling)
Training will be provided in all aspects of the project, including computational statistics, stellar astrophysics, and reproducible research software development.

Candidate Profile

We welcome all applicants with a background in:
• Physics, Astrophysics, Data Science, Applied Mathematics or a related field
• Quantitative and computational skills but training will be provided
• Interest in Bayesian statistics, stellar evolution, and exoplanet science

Keywords

Bayesian inference · hierarchical modelling · stellar populations · exoplanets · asteroseismology · probabilistic programming · PLATO · TESS

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.

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, or if you have indefinite leave to remain, please indicate so in your cover letter, and also on the application form.

Additional Funding Information

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.

Advert information