Uncovering extremely luminous flares from supermassive black holes with the world's largest telescopes

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Phil Wiseman

What happens when a giant star falls into a black hole? This PhD revolves around the most extreme events in the Universe, using cutting-edge analysis and machine learning techniques on data from the Rubin Observatory and working alongside world experts to understand the most luminous cosmic puzzle of our time.

Modern all-sky surveys are uncovering unusual, extremely luminous, long-lived flares in the centres of distant galaxies. Too bright to result from a single star’s death, they are more likely powered by violent accretion of material onto a supermassive black hole. This PhD project aims to reveal what that material is and how it arrives, key to understanding black hole growth. Around 20 of these ambiguous nuclear transients (ANTs) are known, including the most energetic cosmic event ever observed, discovered by the Southampton group. One possibility is that a massive star is torn apart by tidal forces, though how such stars reach the black hole remains unclear. Alternatively, they might involve instabilities in existing accretion disks—but the timescales appear too short. Many events show mid-infrared “echoes,” suggesting they are enshrouded in warm dust, perhaps some of which is falling in. Southampton plays a leading role in two major facilities central to this project. The Rubin Observatory’s LSST will discover millions of new astrophysical transients—supernovae, tidal disruptions, and hundreds of ANTs. Southampton is also a core member of the TiDES survey, which will obtain spectra of every ANT LSST finds. In this project, you will compare theoretical models with LSST light curves and TiDES spectra to measure the energy, black hole mass, and chemical composition of ANTs. You will also have opportunities to use world-class facilities such as the Very Large Telescope and James Webb Space Telescope, working in an international team with extensive opportunities for collaboration and travel.

As well as receiving core scientific training, students will:

• Develop advanced skills in statistical modelling, Bayesian inference, and data visualisation.
• Gain experience with machine learning and AI methods applied to large datasets.
• Build expertise in high-performance computing, programming (Python), and version control.
• Have opportunities to present results through scientific papers, conferences, and outreach activities.
• Strengthen transferable skills in teamwork, project management, and communication.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 29 May 2026. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, but applications received by 6 January 2026 will receive full consideration.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk)

• Programme type: Research
• Academic year: 2026/27
• If you will be full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences

Search for programme PhD Physics (7089)

Please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts/ certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk