Alban Potherat

This PhD studentship at Coventry University Group investigates the intriguing question: Does the Earth's magnetic field spin up the polar vortex in the outer core? The project is situated within the Research Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems (FCS) and is funded by the Leverhulme Trust, which supports fundamental research of high significance and originality. The research addresses one of the greatest mysteries in modern physics—the dynamo process responsible for generating planetary magnetic fields. Recent evidence suggests the existence of an intense polar vortex within the Earth's liquid core, specifically inside the Tangent Cylinder. The project aims to understand the origin and role of this vortex in the dynamo process, exploring the novel hypothesis that the magnetic field itself spins up large vortices in the polar region, potentially contributing to the Earth's dynamo. The successful candidate will employ a combination of numerical simulations using advanced magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models and experimental work with the unique Little Earth Experiment (LEE). LEE is the only device worldwide capable of reproducing and visualising convective flows in the Earth's liquid core, incorporating both rotational and magnetic effects. Experiments will be conducted in FCS's laboratory and at the high magnetic field laboratory in Grenoble, France, utilising some of the most powerful magnets available. This studentship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to planetary science and develop expertise in geophysical, numerical, and experimental fluid dynamics. The candidate will benefit from comprehensive research training, including technical, personal, and professional skills, and will be part of Coventry University's Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides high-quality training and career development activities. Applicants must hold at least a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline, with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent and a minimum 60% overall module average. The ability to engage in innovative research and complete the PhD within 3.5 years is essential. Applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, and a 500-word supporting statement outlining relevant expertise and interests. For further information about the project, prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Professor Alban Potherat. The application deadline is 27 May 2026. Apply via the provided portal to join a world-leading research environment and contribute to advancing our understanding of planetary magnetic fields.

This fully funded PhD position at Coventry University offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the role of the Earth's magnetic field in spinning up the polar vortex within the planet's liquid outer core. The project addresses one of the most profound mysteries in modern physics: the dynamo process that generates planetary magnetic fields, which are essential for shielding planetary surfaces and supporting life. Recent evidence suggests the presence of an intense polar vortex in the Earth's core, raising questions about its origin and its contribution to the geodynamo. This research will explore the novel hypothesis that the Earth's magnetic field itself spins up large vortices in the polar region, potentially playing a key role in sustaining the dynamo mechanism. The successful candidate will employ a combination of advanced numerical simulations using in-house magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models and hands-on experiments with the unique Little Earth Experiment (LEE). LEE is the only device worldwide capable of reproducing and visualizing convective flows in the Earth's core, incorporating both rotational and magnetic effects. Experiments will be conducted both at Coventry's Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems (FCS) and at the high magnetic field laboratory in Grenoble, France, utilizing some of the world's most powerful magnets. This project is funded by the Leverhulme Trust and includes tuition fees, a stipend, and extensive support for travel and conferences. The candidate will receive comprehensive research training and join a vibrant academic community through Coventry University's Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development. The position is supervised by Professor Alban Potherat, a leading expert in geophysical fluid dynamics. Applicants should hold at least a 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline, demonstrate research potential, and meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each component). The application deadline is May 27, 2026. For further details or to discuss your suitability, contact [email protected].

This PhD studentship at Coventry University Group investigates a fundamental question in planetary science: does the Earth's magnetic field spin up the polar vortex in the outer core? The project is situated within the Research Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems (FCS) and is funded by the Leverhulme Trust, which supports high-impact, original research. The research addresses the dynamo process responsible for generating planetary magnetic fields, a phenomenon crucial for shielding planetary surfaces and supporting life. Recent evidence points to the existence of an intense polar vortex within the Earth's liquid core, specifically in the Tangent Cylinder region. The project aims to unravel the origin and role of this vortex in the dynamo process, exploring the novel hypothesis that the magnetic field itself spins up large vortices in the polar region, potentially contributing to the Earth's dynamo. The successful candidate will employ a combination of numerical simulations using advanced magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models and experimental work with the unique Little Earth Experiment (LEE). LEE is the only device worldwide capable of reproducing and visualising convective flows in the Earth's liquid core, incorporating both rotational and magnetic effects. Experiments will be conducted in FCS's laboratory and at the high magnetic field laboratory in Grenoble, France, utilising some of the most powerful magnets available. This studentship offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise in geophysical, numerical, and experimental fluid dynamics, and to contribute to the understanding of planetary magnetic fields. The candidate will benefit from comprehensive research training, technical and professional skills development, and access to the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development at Coventry University. The project also provides opportunities to build a global scientific network by collaborating with leading experts in the field. Applicants should hold at least a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline, with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent and a minimum 60% overall module average. Candidates must demonstrate the potential for innovative research and the ability to complete the PhD within 3.5 years. Applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, and a 500-word supporting statement outlining relevant expertise and interests. For further information, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Alban Potherat. The application deadline is 27 May 2026. Apply via the provided portal to join a world-leading research environment and contribute to advancing planetary science.