About the project
How did the Universe’s most massive galaxies build their bulges? Using new observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), you'll test whether galaxy collisions or internal processes shaped galaxies 10 billion years ago, comparing your findings with theoretical models to uncover the origins of the bulges we observe today.
Most stars in the present-day Universe are found in spheroids: giant ellipticals and the bulges of massive discs. These systems formed most of their stars more than 10 billion years ago and have little cold gas left, yet their progenitors were vigorously forming stars in extended, gas-rich discs. How those discs build compact bulges remains a major open challenge in astrophysics.
Recent observations suggest that we may be witnessing the early stages of this transformation in distant galaxies with centrally concentrated reservoirs of cold gas fuelling intense nuclear star formation. However, we still do not know what drives this process. Are galaxy collisions primarily responsible, or can galaxies build their central structures through their own internal evolution? These scenarios predict different observables, notably the spatial distribution of stars and the properties of their cold gas.
In this project, you'll combine observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) of these progenitors at the peak epoch of galaxy formation, 10 billion years ago, and test which mechanisms best explain the observed structures. Supervised by Dr Puglisi, you will start from in-hand datasets and expand the sample with archival and new observations to measure the spatial distribution of stars (JWST) and cold gas (ALMA). You'll collaborate with Southampton Cosmology researchers to interpret your observations using their state-of-the-art galaxy evolution models. You will obtain robust statistical constraints on which mechanisms drive the assembly of bulges and spheroids.
You'll receive training in the reduction, analysis and interpretation of state-of-the-art astronomical observations, including high-resolution JWST imaging and ALMA interferometric data. You'll develop expertise in multi-wavelength image analysis, structural modelling of galaxies, and spatially resolved measurements of stellar populations. You'll also gain experience in statistical methods to analyse large astronomical datasets, assess uncertainties and test scientific hypotheses. Working closely with researchers in the Southampton Cosmology group, you'll receive training in the use and interpretation of theoretical galaxy evolution models and their comparison with observations. You'll develop transferable skills in scientific programming, data analysis, critical thinking, research communication and collaborative working, with opportunities to present your results at national and international conferences.
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.