About the project
How do black holes grow? In this PhD project the student will use observations and physical models to investigate how gas is transported across the galaxy all the way to the black hole, to fuel its growth.
Supermassive black holes reside at the centres of galaxies and grow by accreting gas from their surroundings. This growth occurs throughout the evolution of the Universe and powers some of its most energetic phenomena: Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). However, a major question remains unanswered: how does gas lose angular momentum and travel from galactic scales towards the central black hole?
Gas exists in different phases, including atomic, ionised and molecular, each tracing distinct physical conditions and stages of the fuelling process. By combining observations of these phases, we can investigate how gas moves through galaxies, accumulates near their centres and ultimately becomes available for black-hole accretion.
In this project, you will analyse multi-wavelength observations and apply physical models to investigate:
- the mechanisms that transport gas towards supermassive black holes
- the rate at which gas reaches the nucleus and whether this is sufficient to power the observed black-hole activity
- how atomic, ionised and molecular gas are connected during the fuelling process
You will work with observations from state-of-the-art telescopes and surveys, including the VLT, MaNGA and ALMA. You will also have the opportunity to propose and plan for further observations.
You will join a collaborative Southampton research group studying the multi-wavelength properties of galaxies and accreting black holes.
You will also become part of a wider international research team, with opportunities for scientific visits, conference participation and specialist training.
Alongside project-specific training, you will benefit from postgraduate courses, seminars and workshops within the Astronomy Group, as well as the University’s development programme, supporting your growth as an independent scientist in preparation for careers within and beyond academia.
The School of Physics & 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.
