PhD Studentship in Computational Astrophysics – Magnetic Fields and Superconductivity in Neutron Star Cores

Overview

Curious to learn more about the strongest magnets of the Universe? This PhD project will explore connection between magnetic fields of neutron stars and properties of the matter in their cores.

Soon after the discovery of first neutron stars, it was suggested that the inner part of the star (its core) is a gigantic superconductor.  Over the last twenty years researchers made extraordinary progress in understanding of different types of neutron stars and their X-ray emission by modelling crust-confined magnetic field evolution, but completely ignoring the core. It is time now to start disentangling the core mystery and to probe different scenarios for magnetic field evolution in the core while considering superconductivity.

In this project, the PhD student will solve various MHD systems of equations describing fluid motion and magnetic field evolution using Dedalus code. This project involves performing simulations on supercomputer. You will receive training and gain skills in running a computer code on HPC facilities, development and analysis of complicated MHD simulations. 

Number Of Awards: 1

Start Date: 1st October 2025

Award Duration: 4 years

Sponsor: The Royal Society

Supervisors:

Dr Andrei Igoshev, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (Physics or Applied Mathematics). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are essential requirements.  

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply but only home fees are covered. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.  

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

Members of groups which are under-represented in STEM are particularly encouraged to apply. 

How To Apply

To apply for a studentship, you must register and apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’. 

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  

• search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8821F
• Please leave the Research Area blank
• select ‘PhD Physics Theoretical (full time) as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:  

• a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form  
• the studentship code MSP103 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field  
• when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.  

In the ‘Supporting Documentation’ section please upload

• your CV 

You must submit one application per studentship (via the ‘Apply’ button above), you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact Details

Dr Andrei Igoshev

School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics

andrei.igoshev@newcastle.ac.uk

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