The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS; www.dias.ie) invites applicants for the Hamilton PhD Scholarship. The Scholarship is funded by DIAS and the successful candidate will be expected to undertake four years of PhD research based at the Astronomy & Astrophysics Section of DIAS and registered as a postgraduate student at Trinity College Dublin.

The theme of research for this scholarship is to explore low frequency radio emission from particle acceleration in the solar atmosphere. On a daily basis, the solar atmosphere erupts with huge quantities of energy, accelerating particles to near light-speed and emitting light from across the electromagnetic spectrum. Solar radio bursts (SRBs) regularly occur during this activity, but their relationship to other solar eruptive phenomena is still subject of much investigation. This research will explore the statistical relationship between solar eruptive events and SRBs using archival data that has been documented for the past number of solar cycles (30+ years). The statistics of these radio bursts and how they vary over several solar cycles has not been explored in the modern era of observations, and this research will aim to uncover new relationships between SRBs, solar flares and eruptive solar events. Furthermore, there exists a growing archive of SRB observations with the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR), which is Europe’s most advanced radio telescope, consisting of 50 stations spread across eight European countries. The student will have the opportunity to develop advanced imaging algorithms for LOFAR solar observations in order to explore the relationship between SRB activity during solar eruptive events. LOFAR is a state-of-the-art imaging telescope, and its use in observing the Sun in the radio domain will uncover new physics associated with particle acceleration in the atmosphere of the Sun.

Applicants are expected to have a honours degree in Physics or Astrophysics, with at least a 2.1 grade. Data analysis and programming experience is required (e.g., Python, IDL, or similar).

The Scholarship is fully funded, covering university fees and a living stipend paid to the successful applicant.

Details on www.lofar.ie and our research work can be obtained at www.dias.ie/astrophysics. 

Further information on the Scholarship can be obtained from Dr. Eoin Carley at eoin.carley@dias.ie.

Interested candidates should submit an application through the DIAS online e-recruitment system https://dias.ie/vacancyPhDScholAA072020 by close of business on 31 July 2020. The application should include a cover letter, CV (include the names of two referees) and a  transcript of university grades.

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