Dr Annagrazia Puglisi
Wednesday, January 06, 2027
Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Supervisors: Dr. Annagrazia Puglisi, Dr. Sandra Raimundo
What regulates star formation in distant galaxies? Using observations from K-band Multi Object Spectrograph (KMOS) spectroscopy and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), you'll investigate winds driven by stars and black holes and their impact on the gas fuelling star formation 10 billion years ago. Combining existing and new data, you will test whether these winds regulate galaxy growth.
Around 10 billion years ago the Universe was at its most active. During this epoch, galaxies contained vast reservoirs of cold gas that fuelled intense star formation. Yet, despite decades of observations, we still do not understand what regulates star formation under the extreme physical conditions of the early Universe. Is star formation regulated by the energy released by young stars and supermassive black holes?
This feedback occurs when stars and supermassive black holes inject energy into their surroundings and launch powerful winds that can remove or redistribute gas. However, it remains unclear whether these outflows are frequent and powerful enough to regulate star formation, or how effectively they affect the cold gas reservoirs that feed galaxy growth.
In this project, you'll combine spatially resolved spectroscopy from the KMOS instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope with cold molecular gas observations from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). You'll search for galactic winds, measure their physical properties and investigate their impact on the gas reservoirs and star-forming activity of their host galaxies. You'll also contribute to developing automated techniques to analyse large numbers of astronomical data cubes. Starting from existing datasets, you'll expand the sample with archival data and new observations from ongoing projects, and determine how much galactic winds contribute to regulating star formation in the distant Universe.
You'll receive training in the reduction, analysis and interpretation of state-of-the-art astronomical observations, including integral-field spectroscopy from KMOS and ALMA interferometric data. You'll develop expertise in analysing spatially resolved spectra, measuring the physical properties of galactic winds, and characterising the cold gas reservoirs of distant galaxies. You'll also gain experience in statistical methods to analyse large astronomical datasets, assess uncertainties and test scientific hypotheses.
You'll contribute to ongoing work developing and testing machine-learning algorithms for the automated analysis of large numbers of spectroscopic data cubes, gaining practical experience in applying these techniques to observational astronomy. Working with your supervisors and collaborators, you'll develop expertise in the physics of supermassive black holes and their impact on galaxy evolution. You'll develop transferable skills in scientific programming, data analysis, critical thinking, research communication and collaborative working, with opportunities to participate in an international observational survey and present your results at national and international conferences.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in one of the following:
- physics
- astronomy
- astrophysics
- a closely related discipline
Essential skills:
- strong interest in galaxy formation and evolution and a willingness to learn new scientific concepts and techniques.
- familiarity with scientific programming in Python or a similar language, and willingness to further develop these skills
- good analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
- good communication skills and willingness to engage in scientific discussions
Desirable skills:
- previous experience with astronomical data analysis, such as imaging, spectroscopy or other observational datasets
- experience with scientific computing, statistical analysis or modelling, for example through an undergraduate or Master's research project
- familiarity with galaxy evolution, extragalactic astronomy or cosmology
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 and 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.
