The School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences at The Open University (Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) invites applications for the following full or part-time PhD studentships open to all nationalities.
We strongly advise that you get in touch with the contact person associated with each project for informal discussion and advice. For any procedural or administrative questions please email STEM-EEES-PHD@open.ac.uk
There are currently no vacanices at the moment
Funding information
For projects funded through the Doctoral Training Partnership CENTA successful candidates will receive:
For projects funded by the OU STEM faculty the successful candidates will receive:
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in a relevant subject with a grade at least equivalent to a 2:1 OR must demonstrate at least a pass at MSc level. There is no residency or nationality limit on these studentships.
How to apply
For projects labelled either with funding "CENTA" or with funding "CENTA or OU STEM" you will need to submit:
For projects labelled with funding "OU STEM" you will need to submit:
Applications must be sent to STEM-EEES-PHD@open.ac.uk by
CASE Studentship
Project Highlights:
Overview:
The STFC Industrial CASE (Cooperative Awards in Science and Technology) studentship provides a 3.5-year stipend that allows the student to spend periods of time on placement at Airbus DS in Stevenage, UK. The cumulative placement period will be no less than 9 months but this will be spread over the period of the studentship and will not normally exceed 18 months.
Protecting the space environment is a critical 21st century challenge to ensure the space sector remains environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. For those that manufacture space and satellite equipment, contamination resulting from surfaces, people and materials is a particular problem that is poorly understood but could have serious adverse impacts on extra-terrestrial environments.
Many materials used in the manufacture of spacecraft, particularly those used for bonding, are silicone-based. This is because they are easy to use, work well in a large range of temperatures, have good adhesion and are UV and ozone resistant. Certain silicones emit low levels of volatile gases. However, in the space environment, there are both thermal and vacuum effects that increase outgassing of certain compounds that can settle on sensitive equipment causing parts, such as lenses, to become contaminated and image quality to be reduced. If they are deposited on equipment that lands on a celestial body, this could contaminate other natural environments, including those that might be habitable.
This studentship builds on a successful Open University/Airbus DS STFC Impact Accelerator Account project (scheme can be found online) and will apply a novel approach to volatile analysis within space sector cleanrooms.
The aims of this studentship are:
Training and skills:
The Open University (OU) is based in Milton Keynes where the student will receive training in chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques to facilitate the identification of organic compounds. These techniques will include Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (TD-GC-MS), additional headspace analysis techniques, and Selective Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS).
The student will receive training in M&P protocols in line with contamination control at Airbus’ Stevenage site, which focuses on spacecraft manufacturing and played a key role in the assembly of the ExoMars rover. They will have the opportunity to shadow the M&P staff and cleanliness control engineers when on site. They will learn how cleanrooms function, ISO standards and why specialist clothing is required for the different ISO standards. They will be able to observe the current laboratory techniques in use (FTIR) and be able to compare these to their own methods/results.
The student will benefit from bespoke training organised by the School of Earth, Environment and Ecosystem Sciences (EEES) and by AstrobiologyOU, including mandated training, such as health and safety and laboratory skills. They will benefit from being a member of a cross-school research group, with relevant in-house training. AstrobiologyOU offers dedicated training events and seminars, including CV-writing support, managing budgets and fellowship writing training. AstrobiologyOU is committed to identifying teaching opportunities for any student that desires them and offering public engagement opportunities to support communication skills development.
Possible timeline:
Year 1: Perform a literature review and create initial databases of cleanroom compounds. Initial placements (likely 2 weeks in duration) at Airbus for materials and processes training, and sample collection. Training on analytical equipment.
Year 2: Optimise techniques and react to real time events that occur. Further placements (between 2-4 weeks each) to continue sample collection and react to contamination events. Presentation at national/international conference.
Year 3-3.5: Consolidation of all techniques and develop final protocols. Further placement, conference presentations. Thesis writing and submission.
Further reading: https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/stfc/training/types-of-training/industrial-case-studentships/
Further details:
Students should have a strong background in analytical chemistry and/or materials chemistry, and an interest in planetary or space science. The PhD student will be a member of the School of Earth, Environment and Ecosystems Sciences and the cross-faculty AstrobiologyOU group, and will join a vibrant postgraduate community at the Open University.
Please contact Dr Claire Batty (claire.batty@open.ac.uk) for further information.
Applications should include:
Applications must be sent to STEM-EEES-PHD@open.ac.uk by
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