Modelling black-hole jets in galaxies across cosmic time

About the research project

Jets launched by supermassive black holes can profoundly influence the evolution of their host galaxies by heating, displacing and removing gas that would otherwise form stars. This process, known as active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback, is an essential component of modern galaxy-formation models. However, there remains a gap between fast analytic models, which simplify the structure of the host galaxy, and computationally expensive hydrodynamic simulations capable of following jets through complex environments.

This PhD project will develop a new theoretical framework for modelling black-hole jets in realistic galaxy environments. It will extend the RAiSE (Radio AGN in Semi-analytic Environments) model, developed at the University of Tasmania, which uses analytic theory to efficiently model the dynamics and radio emission of evolving jets. RAiSE will be expanded beyond its current treatment of approximately spherical environments to the strongly asymmetric gas distributions characteristic of spiral and high-redshift galaxies.

A major focus will be understanding how jets propagate through dense galactic discs before emerging into the surrounding circumgalactic medium. The student will investigate how the structure and orientation of the host galaxy shape jet dynamics and morphology, and determine where and how efficiently their energy is deposited into galactic gas.

The project will connect these dynamics directly to radio observations. Building on the existing model, the student will incorporate additional physical processes, including synchrotron self-absorption and the 21-cm H I line from neutral hydrogen surrounding the radio source. These developments will enable predictions of broadband radio spectra and H I absorption signatures for young and compact radio AGN. Combined with an existing Bayesian inversion framework, these predictions will allow the physical properties of observed radio AGN and their host environments to be inferred. The models will be tested against observations from the First Large Absorption Survey in H I (FLASH), constraining the interaction between radio jets and neutral gas at moderate redshifts.

By combining jet dynamics, radio emission and neutral-gas diagnostics within a single physical framework, this research will provide a computationally efficient bridge between analytic models and detailed hydrodynamic simulations. The models can be applied to distant radio AGN, where individual jets and their interactions with host galaxies cannot be spatially resolved. Ultimately, the framework will provide physically motivated prescriptions for the energetics and spatial distribution of AGN feedback for incorporation into cosmological simulations of galaxy formation, helping determine how black holes shape galaxies across cosmic time.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Ross Turner

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, applied mathematics 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, applied mathematics, 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: Python or C coding, High Performance Computing, computational fluid dynamics, radio astronomy.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Ross Turner 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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