Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD position that will be held at KU Leuven’s Institute of Astronomy and the University of St Andrews’ Centre for Exoplanet Science. The project will be jointly conducted and supervised at these two universities in the framework of the St Leonard’s College European Inter-University Doctoral Scholarship at the University of St Andrews and KU Leuven.
One of the most complex aspects in exoplanet atmosphere modelling is the formation of clouds. This cloud formation is determined by the local atmosphere temperature and chemistry, and the clouds block the view of the (potentially habitable) planet’s atmosphere. Clouds on exoplanets are made of a large variety of materials, including minerals. Understanding the chemical diversity of extrasolar planets entails understanding cloud formation in such non-terrestrial environments.
The project will focus on applying computational chemistry methods in order to study cloud formation processes. This will be achieved by using state-of-the art detailed kinetic cloud formation models.
This position requires a university degree in Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, or Chemistry at an ad- vanced level (e.g. a MPhys or MSc degree or equivalent) completed by the time of employment. The applicant must be eligible for studies at the graduate level of both universities. Employment as a PhD student is for 4 years ideally starting October 2018.
The first two years will be spent at KU Leuven under the supervision of Prof Decin and in close collaboration with Dr David Gobrecht. The second two years will be spent at the Centre for Exoplanet Science in St Andrews under the supervision of Dr Helling. This position is open for EU and UK nationals.
Deadline: 15 July 2018
See link below for application instructions.