Funded Master’s by Research studentship in Planetary Chemistry at The University of Kent

Applications are invited for an internally funded Master’s by Research studentship within the School of Natural Sciences to investigate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) chemistry in a simulated Martian environment. The project will focus on the chemical activation of various PAH microparticles through collisional processes that occur extensively on Mars through saltation and within ‘dust devils’. These environmental conditions will be mimicked in the laboratory on a small scale using a mixer mill to explore a range of mechanochemical alterations to previously produced pure and binary mixture PAH microparticles. Different Martian regolith simulants will also be used to understand the influence of the sand grains’ physical and chemical properties on the induced chemistry. An array of complementary analytical techniques will then be utilised to fully characterise the organic and inorganic components after collisional processing.

The project funding will cover the tuition and bench fees for a single home student (international students will not be eligible for this funding). It is anticipated that the successful applicant will start in January 2026. For further information about this project and how to apply please contact Dr Jon Tandy directly at before Friday 14 th November 2025.

• Internship

• Full-time

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Higher Education