Tag: PhD

PhD Projects in exoplanets and Solar System astronomy

The Astrophysics Research Centre at Queen’s University Belfast is advertising PhD projects for the 2026/2027 school year in exoplanets and Solar System astronomy. Details about the projects can be found at the following links:

Details about the application process can be found here (https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/astrophysics-research-centre/EducationandOpportunities/PHDStudentships/). PhD positions may be funded through NI DoE (Department of Economy) or UK STFC (Science and Technology Facilities Council) studentships.

The application deadline is Friday 16th January 2026. The QUB Astrophysics Research Centre will be hosting a information session (in-person and online participation) on Monday 8 December 12pm GMT. Register to get the connection link using this form (https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=6ner6qW040mh6NbdI6Hyhvqh8HZaSo9Fgtva6IA0Lb5UN1RKQTBaR1YzTUVKQUlMVTE3MTAzSU80MC4u&route=shorturl).

PhD in Biotechnology and antimicrobial resistance (UK)

Dr Michael Macey is excited to share a new PhD project exploring the secrets hidden within Great Britain’s unique waters with, Michael, and Daniel P Payne, Ilias Kounatidis, Calum McMullen, Tim Goodall and Anne Jungblut. They are delving into the uncharacterised microbiomes of historic and chemically distinct springs across the UK. These heritage sites could be a source for novel bioactive compounds to help tackle the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

This studentship offers an opportunity to:

  • Conduct fieldwork at a range of UK heritage sites.
  • Get trained in state-of-the-art chemistry and biology techniques.
  • Screen for microbes and metabolites with the potential to become new medicines.

It’s a blend of natural history, microbiology, and cutting-edge analytical science. A brilliant chance to explore the UK’s hidden biodiversity and contribute to a pressing global challenge.

Deadline: January 7th 2026

Click here for more information.

PhD Studentship in Analytical Tools within Contamination in Spacecraft & Satellite Industry (UK)

The Open University (Milton Keynes, UK) would like to advertise the following PhD position:

Development and validation of innovative, near real-time analytical tools to enable mitigation of contamination within cleanrooms of the UK spacecraft & satellite industry.

Open University Supervisory team: Claire Batty; Vic Pearson; Geraint Morgan

Project Highlights: 

  • Opportunity to develop expertise in cutting edge volatile organic compound detection and analysis for contamination detection.
  • Opportunity to develop skills in analytical techniques, contamination control, and materials and process (M&P) protocols within the space sector.
  • This industrial CASE studentship is a collaboration between The Open University (OU) and Airbus Defence and Space Ltd (Airbus DS) providing both academic and industrial research experience.

The aims of this studentship are: 

  1. To identify, profile and catalogue volatile, semi-volatile and surface organic compounds in cleanrooms and understand the influence of VOCs on bonding, and cleaning methodologies.
  2. To develop techniques, in partnership with the Airbus technical team, to help identify individual contamination compounds, and assess risk of silicone contamination vs cure.
  3. To develop analytical strategies to then deal with real time contamination events.
  4. To develop and optimise analytical methods for flight hardware, cleanroom surfaces and air.

Application deadline: August 1st 2025, 5pm GMT

More information about the project and how to apply here.