The Space and Astrophysical Plasma Physics group at Queen Mary University of London is currently accepting applications for PhD studentships to begin in September 2018. Projects are available across the range of research areas covered by the group, including the solar wind, heliospheric physics, plasma turbulence, shocks, magnetic reconnection, solar physics, particle acceleration, kinetic plasma physics, and plasma radio emission. Our research approach includes spacecraft observations (from missions such as Cluster, THEMIS, MMS, Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter), large scale kinetic simulations, and fundamental plasma theory to understand plasma phenomena throughout the universe. Training will be provided in the form of specialised courses, as well as professional development support from the Queen Mary Doctoral College.
The group is part of the Astronomy Unit, which has 19 academic staff and a dynamic postdoc/student community, with around 15-20 students at any one time. The Astronomy Unit is one of the four research divisions of the School of Physics and Astronomy, which has range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree options; PhD students have the option to contribute to undergraduate teaching if they wish.
The normal minimum requirement is an upper second class honours degree in Physics, Astronomy, Maths, or a sufficiently similar subject, although comparable alternative experience will also be considered. However, most important is an enthusiasm and motivation for undertaking an extended research project in space and astrophysical plasma physics.
The deadline for applications is 31st January 2018. See http://www.space-plasma.qmul.ac.uk for more details about the group, available projects, and the application process.