Black hole jets and star formation

About the research project

Jets of synchrotron-emitting plasma launched by accretion of matter onto supermassive black holes are some of the most energetic objects in the Universe. The jets interact with surrounding gas as they burrow their way through the galaxy, both suppressing and promoting the formation of stars along the way. Conversely, feedback from star formation-related processes can affect jet propagation and even limit the impact the jets have on the galactic gas.

The aim of this PhD project is to study the mutual feedback between jets and star formation through highly parallel numerical magnetohydrodynamic simulations, and make predictions for observations with next generation radio and optical telescopes.

This project will be performed in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Hertfordshire, the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), the University of Sydney, and CSIRO.

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor Stas Shabala

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applications are open to applicants with an Honours or Masters degree in physics, astronomy, or a closely related area.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Honours or Masters degree in physics, astronomy, or a closely related area.
• Capacity for critical thinking and quantitative problem solving.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience in any of: galaxy formation, High Performance Computing, computational fluid dynamics, Python or C coding, radio astronomy.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Professor Stas Shabala to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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