Fully Funded PhD in Planetary Science and Astronomy (JWST, Uranus & Neptune) at University of Leicester University of Leicester in United Kingdom

The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity in planetary science, focusing on the atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This project is supervised by Prof. Leigh Fletcher and Prof. Jonathan Nichols, both leading experts in infrared planetary exploration.

The successful candidate will join Leicester’s renowned planetary science team to analyze JWST’s Ice Giant dataset, contributing to our understanding of planetary atmospheres, ionospheres, rings, and satellites, and paving the way for future missions to Uranus and Neptune. This PhD position is funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and includes a full UK tuition fee waiver for 3.5 years, an annual tax-free stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26), a Research Training Support Grant, and funding for conferences and UK fieldwork. A limited number of full fee waivers are available for international students; other international applicants must cover the fee difference. Visa and healthcare surcharge costs are not included in the funding.

Applicants should hold a UK Bachelor’s Degree with at least a 2:1 classification or an overseas equivalent in a relevant field such as physics, astronomy, or planetary science. English language proficiency is required as per University of Leicester standards. The position is open to both UK and international applicants.

Candidates should demonstrate motivation for the project, relevant experience, and research interests in planetary science, astrophysics, or space physics. To apply, candidates should submit an online application for the September 2026 entry, including a CV, degree certificates and transcripts, evidence of English proficiency (if applicable), and contact details for two academic referees. In the application, select 'No proposal required' for the research proposal section, list up to three supervisors/projects, and select 'Studentship → STFC (100% funding)' in the funding section.

For more information, visit the University of Leicester website.