Current PhD Studentships

School of Physical Sciences at The Open University

Based in Milton Keynes
 

We are currently recruiting for the following full-time, fully funded PhD studentship to start in October 2025:
 

Brief outline: This project provides access to research facilities and training both at the OU and Strathclyde, along with regular collaboration with leading experts in quantum computing and experimental physics. There will be a requirement to attend periodic meetings of the Oxford QCi3 Hub, which funds this project. The studentship is for 3.5 years.

Further details are available here:

Demonstration of Deterministic QC with one clean qubit (DQC1) on a eutral atom array 

How to apply

If you would like to apply then please read the guidance on applying for a PhD studentship here and e-mail the following to STEM-SPS-PHD@open.ac.uk by the application deadline 9th April 2025 17:00:
 

  • a completed Application form UK if you are classed as a home student.
  • an up to date CV.
  • a list of individual courses taken and grades obtained.
  • a personal statement.
  • any other relevant information that you think may support your case for consideration.

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 Silvia Bergamini, for any informal enquiries.

Interviews will take place remotely shortly after the application deadline. 
 

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.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the UKRI academic requirements. We normally require candidates to have at least a 2:1 at UK BSc or MSc level.
 

 Advice and Guidance

Please contact STEM-SPS-PHD@open.ac.uk with any questions about general administration, eligibility, suitability, funding or the nature of PhD research. Our PhD administrators Debbie Briggs/Charlotte Coakley and postgraduate research tutor Richard Greenwood will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

We are committed to widening participation and awarding PhD studentships to a diverse community of applicants. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups. Equal Opportunity is University policy. 

School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences at The Open University Based in Milton Keynes
 

We are currently recruiting for the following full-time, fully funded PhD studentship to start in October 2025:

To the Lifeboats: Fluid inclusions as the last habitable environments on Mars

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 10th April 2025. Interviews will be held on the 18th April 2025.