PhD project – Faint signals from bright sources: identifying high-frequency waves in the Sun
A 4-year PhD studentship in the Astrophysics Research Centre (ARC) at Queen’s University Belfast, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, is available from October 2020 (although an earlier start date is possible). The student will apply new computer algorithms, specifically designed for the analysis of faint solar signals, to high spatial and temporal resolution observations, to search for and identify high-frequency waves. Observational data for the project includes high-frequency imaging of total solar eclipses, including for the 2017 eclipse in the USA.
Funding is provided within the PhD studentship for travel to, and participation in, eclipse campaigns in South America in 2020 and Indonesia in 2023, as well as key astrophysics conferences. It is envisaged that the student will actively engage in both national and international meetings and workshops, where they will disseminate their research to a global audience. As a result, the ability to travel and work within a team environment is a crucial component of the research objectives.
The Solar Physics Group is a vibrant, highly productive research team within ARC, currently comprising 5 academic staff, 3 postdoctoral researchers and 6 PhD students. Group members make extensive use of a wide range of solar satellites and ground-based telescopes, along with image reconstruction techniques for the analysis of ground-based solar observations.
We will normally only consider applicants holding, or expecting to obtain in 2020, a UK MSci (or equivalent) degree in physics, astronomy or a related scientific discipline with 2.1 or higher classification (or international equivalent). It is essential that you read and follow the appropriate application instructions, which can be found here:
https://star.pst.qub.ac.uk/wiki/doku.php/public/phds2020
The deadline for applications is Friday 14th February 2020. All applications received by then will be reviewed immediately, with interviews to be held shortly thereafter.
Note that the studentship will pay full fees and living expenses for EU citizens.
For further information please contact the project supervisor, Dr David Jess, at d.jess@qub.ac.uk