About the project
A single stellar-mass black hole can outshine a million suns. What is the mechanism for energy extraction in black holes, 10 times more efficient than nuclear fusion.
Accreting black holes are the most luminous steady stellar sources in the Galaxy when they actively swallowing matter. Their extreme powers are generated in their accretion discs, and they feed back huge energies to their surroundings through superfast winds and relativistic streams of jet plasmas. Much remains to be understand about the conditions under which these structures form, and how black holes grow via accretion.
In this PhD, you will exploit state-of-the-art multiwavelength observations from frontline facilities to carry out comprehensive novel studies of the immediate environments of Galactic black holes. You will:
- use timing and spectral observations in X-rays to measure the physical conditions responsible for feedback changes with accreting of matter using NASA's JWST complemented by a suite of radio, optical and X-ray datasets
- test some of the leading theories regarding the formation and evolution of discs and jets. The aim is to test and refine models of the immediate accreting environments around black holes, which can help to test the growth of black holes across cosmic time.
You will learn:
- coding for data data analysis and scientific inference, including computer simulations
- use of world-leading astronomical facilities, especially JWST and multiwavelength fast-timing detectors
- critical thinking, presentation, and publication skills. There will be opportunities to develop worldwide collaborations, especially in Japan, USA and South Africa.
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.
