(UoM - Tokyo) Probing the early Universe with Simon Observatory

Simons Observatory (SO) is a new Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) Observatory located in the high Atacama Desert in northern Chile. One of its primary objectives is to search for a signal, originating from the very early Universe (~10^{-34} seconds after the beginning of the Universe, corresponding to energies ~10^{16} GeV). A detection of this signal (termed "primordial B-modes") would represent a phenomenal breakthrough for fundamental physics. There is no other way to explore physics at these energy scales. SO began routine observations with its first two telescopes in 2024 and two further telescopes will become operational during 2025.

The University of Manchester leads the UK contribution to SO. The UK is providing: (i) two additional telescopes, (ii) a UK-based data centre for processing the large data volumes and (iii) a program of algorithm development aimed at turning the raw data from the ~100,000 detectors into higher-level data products and scientific results.

The University of Tokyo has played critical roles in the design, assembly and deployment of the existing SO telescopes. Together with Kyoto University, Tokyo is also delivering one further telescope. University of Tokyo researchers have also played leading roles in the analysis of the first SO data already collected.

Teasing out the cosmological CMB signal from the large amount of data is a very challenging task, requiring sophisticated data analysis techniques. Careful attention must be paid to the possible presence, and then removal, of instrumental systematic signals (i.e. signals in the data that do not originate on the sky.) Working closely together, and with colleagues across the globe, the Manchester and Tokyo data processing and science analysis teams are in the vanguard of this effort.

The PhD student will work closely with the SO data centre and analysis teams at Manchester and Tokyo to process the latest data from the SO telescopes. This is primarily a computational project (so excellent coding skills, e.g. using Python, are required). Analysis tasks will include low-level processing of the data (e.g. implementing and testing different algorithms for removing atmospheric signals from the data), map-making (projecting the time-ordered data into a map of the sky), and extracting the primordial B-mode signal (via its "power spectrum") from the maps.

There is also the opportunity for analytic work to help understand the effects of data processing tasks on the sought-after signal.

In addition to the Manchester and Tokyo teams, the student will be expected to work in collaboration with international colleagues within the global analysis working groups and collaboration structure of Simons Observatory.

As well as the extended stays in Manchester and Tokyo, the student should be prepared to travel to international SO collaboration meetings and workshops as a routine part of this PhD position.

Expected Start

Spring 2026

Before you Apply

We recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project on m.l.brown@manchester.ac.uk and akusaka@phys.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp

How to apply

To be considered for this project, you will need to complete an application here. Please read this page carefully before starting your application.  

When you apply you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents: 

• Personal Statement 
• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications 
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress 
• CV 
• English Language certificate 
• 2 details of academic referees 

In your application, include the project title (UoM - Tokyo) Probing the early Universe with Simon Observatory, supervisor Prof Michael Brown, and funding source Dual Award University of Tokyo and University of Manchester Select the PhD Astronomy and Astrophysics in the programme detail section.

Applications missing required documents won’t be considered. If documents are unavailable or for further application question please email, email FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Eligibility

Fulfil both institutions entry requirements.

1. The University of Manchester:

i. Hold (or expect to achieve) a First Class or 2:1 UK honours degree (or international equivalent to be checked with UoM admission team).

ii. Ideally hold a master’s-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent to be checked with UoM admission team).

iii. Demonstrable excellent communication skills, including in English language, a proficiency in which should be demonstrably indicated by meeting English language requirements and in particular securing an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and listening, and 5.5. in all other sub-tests OR securing a TOEFL iBT score of 90 with no less than 20 in each component equivalent OR equivalent. Project supervisor teams may recommend a candidate who has excellent English language skills, but otherwise has not formal certification of such. Please note that a timely demonstrable minimum English language level is a requirement of the UK Home Office for the issue of student visas to the UK. For some projects an ATAS certificate may also be required by them.

2. University of Tokyo:

2a. Japanese nationals:

i. Meet the eligibility requirements for the examination conducted by the

Graduate School of Science at the University of Tokyo which are indicated on

Tokyo's admission's page [link:

https://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ja/admission/doctor/index.html].

ii. Pass the entrance examination mentioned above.

2b. International students:

I. Meet the eligibility requirements for the examination conducted by the

Graduate School of Science at the University of Tokyo which are indicated on

Tokyo's graduate admission's page [link:

https://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/admission/graduate.html].

ii. Pass the entrance examination mentioned above.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to The University of Manchester’s success. Diversity strengthens our research community, enhancing creativity, productivity, quality, and impact. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, or transgender status.

We also welcome those returning from a career break. Flexible study arrangements (part-time: 50%, 60%, or 80%, depending on the project/funder) may be considered.

FSE_Tokyo, FSE_dualawards,