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School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  1. School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  2. PhD/Research
  3. China Scholarship Council Project
  4. Large scale structure in the Universe.

Large scale structure in the Universe.

Research Group: Astronomy Unit
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 4
Full-time Project: yes

Funding

Funding is provided via the China Scholarship Council.  

  • Available to Chinese applicants only.
  • Applicant required to start in September 2025.
  • The studentship arrangement will cover overseas tuition fees for the duration of the studentship.

Project Description

On the scale of the entire observable Universe, it is no longer appropriate to use Newtonian theory to describe gravitational interactions. Instead, we need to use Einstein’s relativity in order to gain a proper understanding of the large-scale expansion of space, and to make detailed predictions of the relativistic effects that can only be observed on the very largest of scales that we will ever see. This project will use Einstein’s theory of spacetime to investigate structure formation in cosmological modelling, and to make predictions that can be tested using upcoming observational missions. This is the ideal time to be performing this work, with astronomical surveys being performed over the coming decade that will map out the Universe to unprecedented depth and accuracy.

During this project, the PhD student will investigate the formation and observation of structure on the largest scales we can observe. This project could be primarily theoretical or computational, or a mixture of both — for example,

  • Applying the latest Artificial Intelligence techniques to searching for these effects in data.
  • Applying higher-order perturbation theory to the study of gravitational fields in the

Universe, in order to calculate subtle observable relativistic effects.

  • Creating giant simulations with relativistic effects in the formation of large-scale structure
  • Calculating and predicting the observational properties of the distribution of galaxies in the Universe, and how they can be used to investigate relativistic gravity.

Requirements

Application Method:

To enquire about this studentship, directly contact Professor Clarkson with your CV, cover letter and English IELTS.  To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Astronomy (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spcs/phdresearch/application-process/#apply

Deadline for application - 31st of January 2025

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Chris Clarkson

E-mail: chris.clarkson@qmul.ac.uk

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) and MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent).
  • You will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in all other categories.

SPCS Academics: Professor Chris Clarkson

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