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Deadline: 21 December 2026
South West, All England
The lead supervisor for this project will be Dr Charlotte Angus, who will join the University of Bath before the project start date.
This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the University of Bath for entry in October 2027.
Overview of the Research:
When an unlucky star strays too close to a massive black hole, it is torn apart by gravitational forces, producing a luminous flare called a tidal disruption event (TDE). Most massive black holes lie undetectable in the centres of their galaxies; TDEs uncover these hidden giants and let us probe their properties.
TDEs do not occur randomly among galaxies. They are disproportionately found in “post-starburst” galaxies, which experienced a burst of star formation that rapidly shut down, and in galaxies with stars concentrated towards their centres [1]. This suggests galaxy mergers, which funnel stars closer to the black hole, boost TDE production. However, the evidence comes mostly from small samples of TDEs found by targeted surveys, so it is unclear whether our selection is biased against other galaxy environments.
This raises two questions: which galaxy properties drive the TDE rate, and how much of what we observe reflects how TDEs are found? This PhD project will tackle both. Using integral field spectroscopy, including new Gemini observations of rare “repeating” TDE hosts, you will map the stellar populations, post-starburst signatures and how the movement of stars varies within TDE host galaxies, testing whether mergers drive TDE production. You will also use data from the Time Domain Extragalactic Survey (TiDES [2]), a new spectroscopic survey which will generate a large, uniformly selected sample of confirmed TDEs and their host galaxies, discovered within the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). By comparing samples of TDE hosts from TiDES with previous survey samples you will reveal how much selection shapes the galaxies in which we find TDEs.
As the University of Bath is an institutional member of TiDES, you will have early access to this data and the chance to explore real-time classification of LSST transients. You will join an international team, with opportunities for travel and collaboration, and receive training in data analysis, statistics, and transferable skills such as presenting and paper writing.
In summary, you will discover which galaxy environments truly produce TDEs, and which ones only appear to because of how we looked for TDEs in the past.
Project keywords: Black holes, transients, time domain astronomy, galaxies
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or its international equivalent) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous. Knowledge of astrophysics, research experience and strong programming skills are all desirable, but not required.
Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement by the application deadline.
Candidates may be considered for a University of Bath studentship tenable for 3.5 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend (£21,805 p/a in 2026/7) and access to a training support budget.
Studentships are open to both Home and exceptional International students; however, International applicants should note that funding does NOT cover the cost of moving to the UK, obtaining a student visa (View Website) or payment of the UK healthcare surcharge (View Website).
Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Prof. Stijn Wuyts, [email protected].
Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Physics prior to the closing date of this advert.
IMPORTANT:
When completing the application form:
Failure to complete these two steps will cause delays in processing your application and may cause you to miss the deadline.
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.
PLEASE BE AWARE: Applications for this project may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore recommend that you contact the lead supervisor prior to applying and submit your formal application as early as possible.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
The University of Bath has studentships available for Home and Overseas students. However, in line with UKRI policy, the number of studentships available to Overseas students are capped.
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Wed 11 Nov 2026