PhD studentship in Light Scattering by Single Particles Relevant for Atmospheric Research

Overview

• Qualification type: PhD
• Subject area: Physics
• Location/Campus: Hatfield, College Lane campus
• Start date: 1 October 2026
• Closing application date: 2 February 2026 at 9am
• Duration: three years, full time

Project outline

We are seeking an excellent PhD student to undertake research on experimental and/or theoretical aspects of light scattering by single particles relevant to climate research. The student will work closely with colleagues in the topical area of Atmospheric and Climate Physics (ACP). The successful candidate will have opportunities to present their work at international conferences. Experimental work will include further development of laser diffractometry for light scattering measurements on single levitated particles, light scattering measurements including polarimetry, and particle characterisation by techniques like optical and scanning microscopy. Theoretical work will aim to investigate unresolved aspects of light scattering by atmospheric particles, e.g. its dependence on particle complexity and surface roughness, using computational methods like physical optics and the discrete dipole approximation.

Supervisors

• Principal supervisor: Dr Evelyn Hesse
• Supervisory team: Professor Detlef Mueller

Entry requirements

Applications are invited from individuals with a Bachelor’s degree (2.1 or above) and/or Master (if your BSc degree classification is 2.2) in Physics or related subjects.

• relevant experience depending on the project eg working with laboratory physical techniques eg laser and optical instrumentation; computational/numerical modelling
• programming skills eg Python, FORTRAN, C++.

Eligibility

Open to both UK and International applicants, including EU applicants.

How to apply

Please download and complete an application form

With your application please also submit:

• a research proposal not exceeding two A4 pages
• a CV
• a cover letter
• two academic references -  to be sent direct from the referee to the Doctoral College
• copies of your degree certificates and transcripts
• certification of English language competence (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

Interviews will take place: week commencing 9 March 2026.

For informal enquires please email: Doctoral College Admissions or Dr Evelyn Hesse using the following format in the email subject line: ACP PhD Studentships.

Your completed application should be emailed to the Doctoral College Admissions team via the ‘Apply’ button above (E: doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk) by 2nd February 2026 at 9am.

Funding information

• Full tuition fee waiver for three years and a stipend each year at UK Research Council rates, which for 2025-2026 will be £20,780.
• Applicants who need a student visa will be required to pay for this themselves along with the Immigration Health Surcharge. For more information, please visit our website:

Student visa

Immigration Health Surcharge

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