Time-dependent Magnetic Reconnection: Exploring a poorly-understood yet fundamental physical process

About the Project

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental physical process in which magnetic fields - which can store magnetic potential energy – are broken, the energy is released, and then the magnetic field lines are connected together once again; hence the name “reconnection”. Magnetic reconnection occurs throughout the Universe wherever we have a plasma and plays a key role in solar flares, coronal mass ejections, geomagnetic storms and laboratory-based fusion. Thus, it is surprising that the international community’s understanding of magnetic reconnection is based primarily on static, steady-state theories. This PhD project aims to investigate time-dependent magnetic reconnection, using both analytical theories and numerical simulations, in order to address this knowledge gap. Magnetic reconnection is a universal plasma phenomenon, and hence your results will be applicable to multiple research fields, including solar physics, astrophysics, fusion, laboratory-based plasma, computational MHD and space weather communities. During your PhD, you will use fully nonlinear three-dimensional models and will solve the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations using established MHD numerical codes. Throughout the modelling process, the philosophy will be to build up the model incrementally, with an emphasis on understanding the underlying physical processes at each step. You will also utilise your models to explain and interpret the multitude of oscillations observed in different layers of the Sun’s atmosphere, including the oscillations hidden inside solar flares (called “Quasi-Periodic Pulsations”). Thus, at the end of your PhD, you will be an expert in magnetic reconnection, solar flares and numerical simulations (including the use of High Performance Computing).

About you

This project would be suitable for a student with a background in physics, mathematics or a closely-related physical science, and with an interest in solar physics or astrophysics. The successful student will develop an understanding of time-dependent magnetic reconnection, MHD wave theory, and computational MHD (including using High Performance Computing). Prior knowledge of these topics is desirable but not essential. Training in all necessary skills will be provided. The student will also have the opportunity to present their work at national and international conferences and publish their work in the leading scientific journals.

Research Environment

You will join a large, successful research group pursuing high-international-priority research across the broad remit of Solar and Space Physics. The Group demonstrates international leadership across theory, numerical modelling, observations of solar and space plasma, data intensive science, and a growing reputation for space-related hardware. But you will also join a strong and supportive research team, that will help support you to do your best work.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Academic excellence i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities with preference for 1st class honours); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.
• Must be able to commit to campus-based full-time or part-time study.

To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:

• Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
• have settled status, or
• have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.

Applicants will need to be in the UK and fully enrolled before stipend payments can commence and be aware of the following additional costs that may be incurred, as these are not covered by the studentship.

For further details on how to apply see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

In your application, please make sure to include the advert reference (e.g. STFC26/...).

Deadline for applications: 1st June 2026

Start date of course: 1st October 2026

Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community.

Academic Enquiries

*This project is supervised by* Prof James McLaughlin. For informal academic queries, contact james.a.mclaughlin@northumbria.ac.uk. For enquiries relating to eligibility or application process,* please use the email form below to contact Admissions.

*You will join a strong and supportive research team. The very best way to get a taste of this is to come and visit the Research Group in person, meet your fellow PhD students, and meet the PhD supervisors. We have funding to support all UK National applicants who wish to visit the research group (with funding to fully cover reasonable travel and accommodation costs). Please contact Head of Group Professor James McLaughlin at* james.a.mclaughlin@northumbria.ac.uk *if you are interested in visiting the Group, and we can arrange travel arrangement (and cover these costs).*

Funding Notes

This studentship is available to Home students and includes a full stipend at UKRI rates (for 2025/26 FT study this is £20,780 per year) and full tuition fees. Studentships are also available for Home applicants who wish to study part-time over 5 years (0.6 FTE, stipend £12,542 per year and full tuition fees) in combination with work or personal responsibilities).