PhD Studentship in Astrobiology available from 1st October 2023

Unit: Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Salary: Stipend £17,668 per year
Location: Milton Keynes
Please quote reference: OU22
Full Time, 3 Year Studentship available from 1 October 2023
Closing Date: 20 March, 2023 - 12:00

The School of Physical Sciences offers full-time, fully funded (maintenance stipend and home-fees) PhD studentships available to start in October 2023. The projects available this year fall within the following research themes:

• Astronomy
• Planetary and Space Science
• Physics
• Space Instrumentation
• Societal Impacts of Space

How to apply

If you would like to apply then please read the guidance on applying for a PhD studentship here and e-mail the following to STEM-SPS-PHD@open.ac.uk by the application deadline:

• a completed Application form UK if you are resident in the UK or Application form non-UK if you are resident elsewhere.
• an up-to-date CV.
• a list of individual courses taken and grades obtained.
• a personal statement.
• any other relevant information that you think may support your case for consideration.

You do not need to submit a research proposal, as it is already defined by us. You are encouraged to contact the lead supervisor of the project(s) for any informal enquiries.

Closing date for applications: 20^th March 2023.

Interviews will take place remotely between 27^th-31^th March 2023.

We expect to award 3 studentships across all the advertised projects.

Funding and Eligibility

The studentships are normally funded for 3 years and 3 months, attract a stipend of £17,668 per year (2022/23 rate) directly payable to the student, and cover the home-student University fees.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the UKRI academic requirements. We normally require that the candidates have at least a 2:1 at UK BSc or MSc level, but some projects may differ – please check the project description or confirm with the main supervisor of the project you are interested in.

Advice and Guidance

Please contact STEM-SPS-PHD@open.ac.uk with any questions about general administration, eligibility, suitability, funding or the nature of the PhD research. Our PhD administrator Debbie Briggs and postgraduate research tutor Konstantin Stefanov will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you have questions about specific projects, please contact the lead supervisor named on the project.

We are committed to widening participation and awarding PhD studentships to a diverse community of applicants. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups. Equal Opportunity is University policy.

This role is covered by various terms and conditions and will be made available to successful candidates