About the project
Supermassive black holes evolve across billions of years. But a new population that changes rapidly in just months is challenging our understanding of black-hole growth. In this project, you will determine the space density of changing-look black holes, and develop a new physical theory on their origin and evolution.
Changing-look active galactic nuclei (AGN) are supermassive black holes that evolve faster than is currently thought possible according to our best understanding of accretion. Instead of millions to billions of years, these sources display dramatic evolution in just months. This is puzzling because inflow of matter through viscous processes in accretion discs and ultimately on to the black hole is thought to proceed at a much slower pace. The discovery of these cosmic monsters implies that our understanding of accretion remains incomplete.
In this project, you will:
- collate the most uniform sample of changing-look active galaxies thus far, using frontline surveys including SPHEREx, WISE, Euclid, eROSITA and others, and use these data to determine the best measurement of the demographics of changing-look AGN;
- with these measurements, you will then test new physical theories on their origin and evolution by comparing the measured space densities, host-galaxy properties, and timescales of change. Connections will be drawn with other populations of stellar- and super-massive accreting sources across the cosmos.
The project offers fully-rounded astrophysics training and skill development in:
- data analysis and coding (including high-performance computing, if desired)
- observational techniques using world-class astronomical facilities
- critical evaluation of theoretical models
- scientific communication, presentation, and publication
Training will be provided in all aspects of observational astronomy and data science. Applicants should be comfortable with some scientific computing.
The School of Physics and Astronomy is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
