PhD Studentship: Does It Rain on Other Planets?

Supervisory Team: Joao M. Mendonca

PhD Supervisor: Joao M. Mendonca

Project description:

Dr. João M. Mendonça invites applications for a 4-year PhD research position in computational modelling of planetary climates. The successful applicant will join the new research group in planetary sciences at the University of Southampton. Thanks to the successful Horizon Europe Guarantee grant, the group will soon grow to 8 members (https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=EP%2FZ00330X%2F1).

Project description

Titan, the largest moon of Saturn, has a thick atmosphere mostly composed of nitrogen (>97%) and methane (<3%). Methane exists in Titan’s environment in solid, vapour, and liquid forms, and it rains in lakes and seas. The methane cycle on Titan resembles Earth's water cycle, making it an important subject for studying weather patterns in climate models. Despite its similarity to Earth's water cycle, Titan does not have large amounts of methane at its surface, unlike water oceans on Earth. Our current observations of Titan make it an excellent case for validating our current 3D planetary climate models. The ability to accurately simulate weather cycles other than Earth’s water cycle is essential for understanding the climate of other planets, such as exoplanets.

The student will use a cutting-edge computational model of planetary climates (OASIS) to create 3D simulations of Titan that go beyond the current state of the art. The student will have access to high-performance computing facilities at Southampton, opportunities to engage in international collaborations, visits to other research groups abroad, and to acquire new skills in modern high-performance computing techniques for simulating the fundamental physics of planetary climates.

In this project, the student will develop and implement the weather cycle physics into the group’s existing 3D planetary climate simulations. The goal is for the student to develop 3D simulations of the methane weather cycle in Titan. The student will: a) Create new and unprecedented high-spatial resolution simulations of the methane cycle in Titan. b) Analyze and determine the physical properties of cloud evolution during one Titan year and quantify the physical processes that supply the atmosphere with methane; c) Apply the new model to observations from the James Webb Space Telescope from terrestrial to sub-Neptune planets to unveil the role of weather cycles in exoplanets.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact:

Dr. Joao M. Mendonca, Astronomy Research Group, Email: j.mendonca@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 30 March 2025.

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships.  For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton  Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online:  Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk) Select programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Physics (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Joao M. Mendonca

Applications should include:

• Research Statement
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

Email: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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