Did planetary impacts contribute to evolutionary change?

Europlanet Studentship
Centre for Astrophysics and Planetary Science - School of Physical Sciences

CAPS is one of 6 active research groups within the School Physical Sciences and contributes to the innovative and interdisciplinary research across a broad and diverse range of topics. Kent has a rich legacy in astrophysics and planetary science since the University opened in the 1960s. Since 2005 the CAPS has operated two portfolios; one of Astrophysics (with foci on star formation and the structure of our Galaxy) and one in planetary science (with foci on comets & asteroids observational, involvement in space missions, and impact studies). The group hosts a Light Gas Gun Facility, the Beacon Observatory and SEM and Raman analytical tools.
Our dynamic research community has numerous collaborative links with colleagues in other universities and research institutions, both in the UK and overseas.
For this year’s Europlanet studentship we are inviting applications from candidates interested in undertaking research in the following area:

Did planetary impacts contribute to evolutionary change? — The destructive power of planetary impacts is vividly demonstrated by the scarred surfaces of the rocky and icy bodies of our Solar System, but are planetary impacts solely a destructive process? In this PhD project, you will be simulating impact events in the laboratory and investigating whether impacts can induce mutations in simple organisms and thus also play a more nurturing role by driving evolution of life forms on Earth.

Any enquiries should be directed to the Postgraduate Admissions Team ([Email Address Removed]). For more information about the School of Physical Sciences and our Research groups please visit our School pages. More details about the individual projects can be found here: https://research.kent.ac.uk/caps/phd-studentships-2020/

Criteria
• The University of Kent invites applications for a full-time PhD studentship commencing in September.
• We are looking for an excellent student with a good Honours degree (First or 2i) and, preferably, a Master’s degree at Merit or Distinction in a relevant subject, or equivalent.
• Successful candidates will demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding research potential.
• The Europlanet Studentship is open to all UK, EU and overseas students.

How to Apply: : To apply please go to [https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/212/physics].
You will need to apply through the online application form on the main University website. Please note that you will be expected to provide personal details, education and employment history and supporting documentation (Curriculum Vitae, transcript of results, two academic references). We welcome applications from people with disabilities and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.