Overview Qualification type: PhD Subject area: Physics Location/Campus: Hatfield, College Lane campus Start date: 1 October 2025 Closing application date: 3 February 2025 at 9am Duration: 3 years, full time Project outline Cirrus clouds play a key role in the atmospheric radiation balance. A quantitatively accurate understanding of how ice particles in cirrus interact with incident light is therefore of great importance for predicting and mitigating the effects of climate change. The project will cover experimental and theoretical aspects of light scattering by single particles relevant to climate research. Experimental work will include development of a set-up for light scattering measurements using an electrodynamic trap for single particle levitation, as well as particle characterization and light scattering measurements. The latter will be compared with results from light scattering models. Supervisors Principal supervisor: Dr Evelyn Hesse Supervisory team: Professor Detlef Mueller Entry requirements Applications are invited from individuals with a Bachelor’s degree (2.1 or above) and/or Master (e.g. if your BSc degree classification is 2.2) in Physics or related subjects. Knowledge in optics, experimental physics and computational physics are desirable. Eligibility Open to both UK and International applicants, including EU applicants How to apply Please download and complete an application form With your application please also submit a research proposal not exceeding two A4 pages, a CV and cover letter. You will also need to provide: Two academic references - References must be sent direct from the referee to the Doctoral College Copies of qualification certificates and transcripts Certification of English language competence (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language Interviews will take place: week commencing 10 March 2025. For informal enquires please email the Doctoral College or Dr Evelyn Hesse using the following format in the email subject line: ACP PhD Studentships. Your completed application should be emailed to the Doctoral College Admissions team by 3 February 2025 at 9am. Funding information Full tuition fee waiver for three years and a stipend each year at UK Research Council rates, which for 2024-2025 will be £19,237. Applicants who need a student visa will be required to pay for this themselves along with the Immigration Health Surcharge. For more information, please visit our website: Student visa Immigration Health Surcharge