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 February 2026:
 

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 neutral 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 19th September 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. 
 

STFC CASE Studentship

Development and validation of innovative, near real-time analytical tools to enable mitigation of contamination within cleanrooms of the UK spacecraft & satellite industry.

Open University Supervisory team: Claire Batty; Vic Pearson; Geraint Morgan.

Project Highlights: 

  • Opportunity to develop expertise in cutting edge volatile organic compound detection and analysis for contamination detection.
  • Opportunity to develop skills in contamination control, and materials and process (M&P) protocols within the space sector.
  • This industrial CASE studentship is a collaboration between The Open University (OU) and Airbus Defence and Space Ltd (Airbus DS) providing both academic and industrial research experience. 

Overview:

The STFC Industrial CASE (Cooperative Awards in Science and Technology) studentship provides a 3.5-year stipend that includes time on placement at Airbus DS in Stevenage, UK. The cumulative placement will last no less than 9 months but 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. Many materials used in the manufacture of spacecraft, particularly those used for bonding, are silicone-based. 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 contamination and reducing function. If they are deposited on equipment that lands on a celestial body, this could contaminate other natural environments, including those that might be habitable.   

Training and skills:

The Open University (OU) is based in Milton Keynes where the student will receive training in relevant chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques to facilitate the identification of organic compounds. 

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.  

The student will benefit from bespoke school led training and be a member of a cross-school research group. AstrobiologyOU offers training events and seminars and is committed to identifying teaching opportunities for any student that desires them and offers public engagement opportunities to support communication skills development. 

Possible timeline:

Year 1: Perform a literature review and create databases of cleanroom compounds. Initial placements (likely 2 weeks in duration) at Airbus for M&P 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 Claire Batty (claire.batty@open.ac.uk) for further information.

Applications should include:

Applications should be sent to STEM-EEES-PHD@open.ac.uk  by 5pm GMT on the 1st August 2025