Postgraduate research project

Hunting for hidden black holes and extreme transients using large surveys

Funding
Competition funded View fees and funding
Type of degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Entry requirements
2:1 honours degree
View full entry requirements
Faculty graduate school
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Closing date

About the project

This is pure blue-skies astronomy research project. The research will be computer-based using publicly available software and well-known mathematical techniques. 

The research will focus on the theme of hunting for previously unknown black holes in the cosmos. Despite their brightness, these objects can be difficult to find because they are often hidden behind thick veils of interstellar gas and dust, or their presence may be masked in other ways. Understanding their growth has implications for galaxy evolution and cosmology.

We now have new telescopes to find these black holes. This is an ideal opportunity for a PhD student to join our group and lead projects exploiting new telescope surveys to answer important questions on the theme of black hole growth. There will be opportunities to learn about astronomical observing and statistical data analysis.

At this time, internal funding cannot be guaranteed; externally funded candidates are welcome to apply.