Supermassive black hole feedback 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: no galaxy formation model can simultaneously predict with accuracy the properties of both galaxies and black hole jet populations.

This PhD project will develop a new theoretical framework for synthesising galaxy and jet models. It will use 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 integrated with a state-of-the-art Semi-Analytic galaxy formation Model (SAM) to simultaneously predict observable properties for both the jets and the galactic gas which they impact.

A major focus will be on understanding how the combination of jet and galaxy observables can constrain currently uncertain parameters in jet feedback modelling, and shed light on relevant physical processes such as the mechanisms responsible for the triggering and cessation of jet activity, and the coupling of jet energy to the surrounding gas. This framework will be benchmarked against numerical hydrodynamic simulations of jets in complex environments, and ultimately will provide physically motivated prescriptions for AGN feedback in large cosmological hydrodynamic simulations of galaxy formation, helping to determine how black holes shape galaxies across cosmic time.

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, 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 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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