PhD Studentship : Earth-like planets orbiting Sun-like stars

A mere thirty years after the first discovered exoplanet, we now know over 6000 known exoplanets. These come in a wonderful variety and exoplanet demographics studies have transformed our view of planet formation and evolution. Yet, we are still to find a true Earth twin or exoplanetary systems resembling the Solar System. Finding and characterising planets like Earth are hindered by variable signals from the star itself. Especially in radial velocity data, essential to measure a planet's mass, these signals are often larger than the planet signals. With Dr Annelies Mortier, projects are possible related to the detection or mass characterisation of small planets, star-planet connections, stellar variability mitigation techniques, or Sun-as-a-star studies. The project will make use of data from high-stability high-resolution spectrographs, such as HARPS-N or HARPS3 (including their Solar telescopes), and can often be complemented by space photometry from TESS or CHEOPS.

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.

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