Surface science studies of the non-thermal processing of model astrophysical ices (2019)
What you get
The STFC scholarship covers:
- Tuition fees at UK/EU rate
- Living expenses at £15,009 per year (tax free) in 2019-20 and rising in line with inflation
- Laboratory consumables and fieldwork costs
Type of award
Postgraduate Research
PhD project
This position is available from September 2019.
This project will use experimental surface science studies to investigate the non-thermal processing (by electrons and photons) of model astrophysical ices in conditions relevant to interstellar space and to cometary and planetary ices. This research is particularly timely because of the upcoming launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which will allow the detection of molecules in space with much higher sensitivity than previously possible. The student will use low energy electrons or ultra-violet light to irradiate ices and will then use surface science techniques such as temperature programmed desorption and surface infrared spectroscopy to monitor the products of the irradiation. The student will also use a newly developed, novel, reflection-absorption UV-visible spectrometer to measure the refractive index for model astrophysical ices in situ under conditions relevant to various astrophysical environments. These processes will be investigated on various model dust grain surfaces including carbonaceous and silicaceous dust grain analogues to further investigate the role of the grain surface in the observed Chemistry.
The specific objectives of the work to be undertaken during this project are:
- To undertake experimental investigations of the non-thermal processing of model astrophysical ices by ultra-violet radiation and low energy electrons.
- To undertake experimental studies of the refractive index of model astrophysical ices using reflection-absorption UV-visible spectroscopy
- To use data from the experiments to develop models that describe non-thermal desorption under astrophysical conditions
Eligibility
Applicants will have an excellent academic record and should have received or be expected to receive a relevant first or upper-second class honours degree in a relevant subject (usually Chemistry or Physics).
The full award is available to UK and to EU students who have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the previous 3 years and Overseas (non EU) students are not eligible to apply.
Candidates for whom English is not their first language will require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any section.
Number of scholarships available
One
Deadline
30 April 2019 23:59How to apply
Candidates must submit a formal application using our online postgraduate application system: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply.
Candidates are required to upload:
- CV
- Degree transcripts and certificates
- Statement of interest
- Names of two academic referees
- IELTS Certificate, for non-UK applicants
- Copy of Passport
On the application system use Programme of Study – PhD Chemistry. In the supervisor section state Professor Wendy Brown. In the funding section state that you are applying for an STFC Studentship in Life Sciences.
Contact us
For enquiries about the application process contact lifesciphd@sussex.ac.uk
For enquiries about the project contact Prof Wendy Brown (w.a.brown@sussex.ac.uk )
You might also be interested in
Further information about the work in the Brown research group can be found at http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/brownlab/
Availability
At level(s):
PG (research)
Application deadline:
30 April 2019 23:59 (GMT)
the deadline has now expired
Countries
The award is available to people from these specific countries: