The objective of the project “Study of the degradation of biosignatures under Martian irradiation” is to evaluate the effect of irradiation of galactic cosmic rays during several billion years on fossiliferous Mars analog rocks and the protective effect of different minerals on molecular biosignatures. This is highly relevant for the ExoMars mission to estimate the depth at which various biosignatures of interest may be preserved, depending on the mineral matrix.  These samples will be exposed to proton irradiation at the CEMHTI Pelletron (CNRS, Orléans), where the PhD student will have direct access to the accelerator.

For more details on the position, click >>here<<
For more information about the topics and the co-financial partner, contact PI Frédéric Foucher

>> Deadline: 15^th of March 2024 <<

Full 4 year funding for this studentship has already been obtained from the UK Space Agency – It will provide an early-career scientists with the key scientific and analytical skills relevant to the NASA/ESA Mars Sample Return initiative – It involves the isotopic investigation of samples that are known to be derived from the surface layers of Mars – Provides an opportunity to develop new analytical techniques relevant to martian meteorites and returned martian samples.

Details on the project can be found >>here<<, and details on how to apply for this studentship are given >>here<<

>> New deadline: 15^th of March 2024 <<

Interviews will take place the week commencing 25^th March. For informal discussions about the project please contact Richard Greenwood

This studentship will investigate Kasei Vallis, the largest outflow channel on Mars and one of the largest channels in the Solar System, and is believed to have been formed by catastrophic megaflooding. The student will use the latest, high-resolution orbital remote sensing datasets to construct a detailed geological history of Kasei Valles, which could provide essential insight into the drying climate of Mars. The student will also become affiliated with and provide operational support to two ongoing Mars orbiter missions: the Colour and Stereo Science Imaging System (CaSSIS) onboard ESA’s TGO and the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) onboard NASA’s Mars MRO.

The project is ideal for a student interested in geomorphology, sedimentology, and planetary surfaces.

Please note that this project is separate from our other STFC projects and is guaranteed funding.

For details on the project, click >> here <<

Informal enquires are welcome to Joel Davis

>> Deadline: 1^st of March 2024 <<

There’s a PhD studentship available at the Queen’s University Belfast for the project “Exploring the Solar System’s Small Body Reservoirs with Rubin Observatory“.

The project will focus on developing analysis tools and utilities for LSST Solar System science in the year leading up to the start of the survey

>> Deadline: 9^th of February 2024 <<

For details on the project, click >> here <<
For details on the application process, click >> here <<.

There are several PhD projects available at the University of Manchester for a September 2024 start. These projects are in the fields of isotope geochemistry, cosmochemistry, and planetary science.

Available projects:

• History of the Lunar Surface
• Investigating the formation of lunar agglutinates
• Investigating the origin of water in primitive asteroids
• Petrogenesis of lunar mare basalts from the nearside eastern limb of the moon

>> Deadline: 5^th of February 2024 <<

Full details of the projects, application process, and supervisors can be found >>here<<.

There are several PhD projects available at UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory, for a September/October 2024 start. These opportunities are within the Department of Space and Climate Physics, and projects are in the fields of space science, planetary science, astrophysics, and systems engineering.

Funded Studentships:

• STFC Studentships (Deadline: 26^th January)
• UCL Research Excellence Scholarship (Deadline 12^th January, for prospective and current students)
• UCL Research Excellence Scholarship for Cross-disciplinary Training (One-year; Deadline: 12^th January, for prospective and current students)

Additionally, applications from self-funding students are welcome at any time. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their prospective supervisor and discuss the proposed PhD project before their application.

Full details of the application process, supervisors, and projects can be found >>here<<.