Dr Sandra Raimundo
Wednesday, March 31, 2027
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Supervisor: Dr. Sandra Raimundo
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.
Entry requirements
You must have 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
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, [contact details available in the full listing].
Project leader
For an initial conversation, [contact details available in the full listing].
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.
