Jonathan Nichols

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 planetary atmospheres and infrared astronomy. 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 planetary science, astrophysics, or space physics. English language proficiency is required as per University of Leicester standards. The opportunity is open to both UK and international applicants. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in planetary science, astrophysics, or space physics, and possess relevant experience and skills. To apply, candidates must submit an online application for the September 2026 entry, including a CV, degree certificates and transcripts, evidence of English proficiency (if applicable), two academic referees, and a personal statement outlining research interests, motivation for the project, and relevant experience. 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. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in planetary science, astronomy, astrophysics, and space exploration to work with world-leading researchers and contribute to cutting-edge research using JWST data at the University of Leicester.