Multi-spacecraft Investigations of Solar and Heliospheric Plasmas – PhD (STFC Funded) University of Exeter in United Kingdom

This STFC-funded PhD project at the University of Exeter offers an exciting opportunity to explore the frontiers of heliophysics using multi-spacecraft observations. With the current golden age of heliophysics, numerous satellites provide high-quality data both remotely from the Sun and in-situ from the solar wind. The research aims to investigate plasma and dynamical properties by leveraging the complementarities of these multi-spacecraft datasets, revealing new phenomena and unraveling the physics that govern key regions of the Sun-Earth system. Understanding these processes is crucial for predicting space weather events that impact our radiation environment, communication systems, and climate.

The successful candidate will join the Centre for Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics and benefit from collaborations with the Institute for Data Sciences and Artificial Intelligence (IDSAI), the Astrophysics cluster, and the nearby Met Office space weather activities. The project is closely linked to the Solar Orbiter mission, launched by ESA in 2020, and will equip the student with skills relevant to future scientific investigations in space physics and astrophysics.

Funding includes UK and International tuition fees and a generous annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805. Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a first or upper second class degree in physics, mathematics, astrophysics, or a related field, with strong analytical and quantitative skills. Experience in data analysis, statistics, or computational methods is advantageous, and international applicants may need to demonstrate English language proficiency.

The application deadline is March 11, 2026. For further information and to apply, visit the University of Exeter funding award page. This position is ideal for students interested in astrophysics, plasma physics, applied mathematics, and data-driven research, offering a unique blend of academic and practical experience in a vibrant research environment.