Supervisor: Professor Poshak Gandhi
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.
Entry requirements
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.
Fees and funding
We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.
Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.
Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.
Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.
How to apply
Apply now
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- search for programme PhD Physics (7089)
- add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application
Applications should include:
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts and certificates to date
- English language qualification (if applicable)
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
For questions about applying, email our Doctoral College (doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk).
Project leader
For an initial conversation, email Professor Poshak Gandhi (poshak.gandhi@soton.ac.uk).
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.
