The long-term evolution of planetary systems in star clusters

Planetary astrophysics has developed rapidly over the last years due to the detection of thousands of exoplanets and major advances in computational astronomy. Observations have led to fascinating new discoveries, including potentially habitable worlds. The formation and long-term dynamical evolution of planetary systems, however, is still not fully understood. For many observed planetary systems it is not known how they achieved their (sometimes inexplicable) present-day orbital configurations. Even explaining the origin and architecture of our own Solar system remains a challenge. Computer simulations can help deepening our understanding through accurately modeling the physical processes that affect the orbital and physical properties of planets over billions of years, including gravitational interactions with neighboring planets and stars, tidal forces, as well as geological and atmospheric processes. As most planetary systems form in or near star clusters, close encounters with neighboring stars can play an important role, affecting the stability and habitability of planetary systems in our Galaxy. The PhD candidate will address these issues through carrying out gravitational N-body simulations using state-of-the-art simulation software. The numerical simulations will be carried out on GPU-supported computing clusters. The results will be compared with recent observational results, allowing the student to contribute to extending our knowledge of the formation, evolution, and habitability of exoplanets the Galactic neighborhood.

For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU): Please visit
http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd.html
http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd/feesscholarships.html
Requirements:
The candidate should have a first class or upper second class honours degree, or a master’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in astronomy, physics, planetary sciences, applied mathematics, or related fields. Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or an equivalent qualification, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.
Degree:
The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants are advised to email [Email Address Removed] (principle supervisor’s email address) the following documents and copy [Email Address Removed] (please put the project title in the subject line).
• CV
• Two reference letters
• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
• Proof of English language proficiency (an IELTS score of above 6.5 or equivalent is required
• Verified school transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. M.B.N. Kouwenhoven ([Email Address Removed]), whose personal profile is linked below:
http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/departments/academic-departments/mathematical-sciences/staff/m-kouwenhoven and http://www.thijskouwenhoven.net