PhD Studentship in Astrophysics: Weighing Galactic Black Holes with X-rays Newcastle University in United Kingdom

[100% home tuition fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Funds available for travel and research expenses. International applicants must cover the difference between Home and International fees.]

PhD Studentship in Astrophysics: Weighing Galactic Black Holes with X-rays

Newcastle University invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship focused on pioneering mass measurements of galactic black holes using X-ray astronomy. This project addresses the challenge of measuring black hole masses in binary systems where traditional optical techniques are hindered by obscuration. By leveraging X-ray reverberation mapping, the successful candidate will exploit the echoes produced when X-rays from near the black hole reflect off accreting material, enabling mass measurements even in obscured systems.

The project offers opportunities for both observational and theoretical research, including the development of advanced reverberation mapping models that incorporate general relativistic and radiative transfer effects. Students will work with cutting-edge data from NASA missions such as NICER, NuSTAR, and IXPE, and contribute to the European Research Council Consolidator Grant project X-MAPS. The research will be supervised by Dr Adam Ingram in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics.

Funding and Duration: The studentship covers 100% of home tuition fees and provides a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional funds are available for travel and research expenses. The award is for four years, starting 1st October 2026. International applicants are welcome but must cover the difference between Home and International tuition fees.

Eligibility: Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in Physics, Astrophysics, or a closely related discipline. Non-native English speakers require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills). International applicants may need an ATAS certificate and must meet visa requirements.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted via the Newcastle University Apply to Newcastle Portal. Candidates should search for programme code 8821F (PhD Physics Theoretical, full time), upload a personal statement and CV, and enter the studentship code MSP105. Applicants should select 'Write Proposal' and enter the project title from this advert. Only one application per studentship is permitted.

For further information, contact Dr Adam Ingram at [email protected]. For full details and to apply, visit the funding page.