Novel measurements to constrain the properties of the Quark-Gluon Plasma

About this opportunity

At sufficiently high energy densities QCD predicts that hadronic matter exists in the form of a deconfined state of quarks and gluons, the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP), and not in the form of confined, colour-singlet, constituent hadrons. This state of matter filled the universe up to a few microseconds after the Big Bang and is produced in the lab using ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions, which take place for one month a year at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. The study of properties of the Quark-Gluon Plasma, which include specific viscosity, energy transport, and microscopic structure, aims to tell us about the properties of the universe at its early stages, and in general the properties of QCD matter in its most extreme phase.

This PhD project will focus on measurements of novel probes of QGP in heavy-ion collisions. The student will work on the ALICE experiment – the LHC experiment dedicated to studying heavy-ion collisions. In particular, they will focus on the measurement of ‘jets’ – collimated sprays of hadrons produced in high-energy particle collisions – or heavy-flavour hadrons. These provide unique probes of the QGP as they are produced in early stages of the collision and interact with the QGP at all stages of its evolution. Development and deployment of advanced statistical techniques to improve the accuracy of measurements, which may include machine learning-based approaches, will form part of this PhD.

The student will be provided with comprehensive training in theoretical and experimental particle physics. This project will be carried out over 42 months at the University of Liverpool. The student will also have the opportunity to spend up to 12 months stationed at CERN, where they will be able to take an active role in data-taking and detector R&D activities.

It is noted that this PhD opportunity is available for UK-based students only.

Funding your PhD

This 3.5 year studentship is confirmed to be funded by the Science and Engineering faculty to support the Ernest Rutherford Fellowship of Jaime Norman, granted on current UKRI levels of support: Home fee rate, RTSG and annual stipend granted for 3.5 years for full-time study or 6 years for part-time study. In 2025-26, for example, the home fee rate is £5,006 and the stipend is £20,780. The Faculty cover a RTSG of £5000 over the duration of study, provided in year one. The fee rate and stipend will change according to UKRI levels at the time of student registration; we have budgeted for the studentship to start in FY 2026-27 as instructed in your application. Approximately, this represents a total Faculty contribution of ~£110k. The studentship is limited to UK-based students only.

We want all of our Staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result. We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.