During the last two decades the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) has provided a unique window into the early Universe and established the Standard Cosmological Model. However, despite constraining cosmological parameters with sub-percent precision, many fundamental questions about the Universe are still unanswered: How did it start? What’s the nature of dark matter and dark energy? What’s the physics of neutrino particles? To advance the field new, more powerful CMB data are being collected, analysed and planned for. To measure the CMB we map the sky at microwave frequencies. On top of the CMB, these maps also capture several emissions from Galactic and extragalactic sources (such as distant galaxies and galaxy clusters) which act as a contaminant for the primordial cosmological signal.
This project focuses on understanding the astrophysical emissions present in CMB maps and how they challenge cosmological results, bringing together simulations, theoretical models and observations, and deriving mitigation strategies for current and future CMB experiments such as the ground-based Simons Observatory and the LiteBIRD satellite. This will enable new results in cosmology, astrophysics and fundamental physics.
Eligibility
The typical academic requirement is a minimum of a 2:1 physics and astronomy or a relevant discipline.
Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS) (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements)
Applicants should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Astronomy with a start date of 1st October 2022.
Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/physics-and-astronomy) including:
• your academic CV
• a personal statement/covering letter
• two references, at least one of which should be academic
• Your degree certificates and transcripts to date.
In the "Research Proposal" section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project. You can apply for up to three of our advertised STFC projects by listing them in order of preference in the freetext area of the "Research Proposal" section of the online application form.
In the funding section, please select that you will not be self funding and write that the source of funding will be STFC.
Once the deadline for applications has passed we will review your application and advise your within a few weeks if you have been shortlisted for an interview.
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