UKSA Funded PhD - To the Lifeboats: Fluid Inclusions as the Last Habitable Environments on Mars

Please quote reference: To the Lifeboats: Fluid inclusions as the last habitable environments on Mars
Funded for 3 years and 3 months, with the possibility of an additional 3 month extension
Closing Date: 10 April, 2025 - 12:00

Project Highlights: 

Investigate the preservation of life and its biosignatures in fluid inclusions under Mars-like conditions, informing the search for life on Mars. - Develop a unique skillset in microbiology, advanced spectroscopy, and Mars simulations. - Explore the physiological and genomic impacts of extreme conditions on life and its biosignatures, providing insights into the limits of habitability and the evolution of life in extreme environments on Earth. - Guaranteed funding from the UK Space Agency.

Further details: 
Students should have a strong background in microbiology and an interest in geochemistry/ mineralogy/planetary science. The successful student will join the well-established AstrobiologyOU research group (more details will be found here) and a vibrant postgraduate community at The Open University and will be based in the School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystems Sciences.

For more information please refer to: PhD STUDENTSHIPS | School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences | School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences (open.ac.uk). Please contact Michael Macey (Michael.Macey@open.ac.uk) for further information. Applications should include:

• A cover letter outlining their motivation for doing a PhD, why this specific project is of interest and how their skills (technical and transferable) match those required of this project,
• An academic CV containing contact details of three academic referees,
• An Open University application form, downloadable from: Home OU application form (if you are resident in the UK) or an Overseas OU application form (if you are an international applicant). For Home applicants, in Section 14 of the Open University application form, please insert the title of the project to which you have applied. In Section 15 of the Open University application form please tick "yes". For Overseas applicants, in Section 18 of the Open University application form, please insert the title of the project to which you have applied. In Section 19 of the Open University application form please tick "yes".

Funding and Eligibility

This studentship is funded for 3 years and 3 months, with the possibility of an additional 3 month extension. It attracts a stipend of £20,780 per year (2025/26 rate) and covers the home-student University fees. The studentship also includes a research training support grant.

You do not need to submit a research proposal, as it is already defined by us. You are encouraged to contact the lead supervisor of the project, Dr Michael Macey, for any informal enquiries.

Applications should be sent to STEM-EEES-PHD@open.ac.uk by 12pm (noon) on the 10^th April 2025. Interviews will be held on the 18^th April 2025.

UKSA Studentship Project details.pdf

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