A world-class environment for your research degree
The School of Physics is offering a portfolio of PhD Scholarships across all its world-class research groups. These prestigious Scholarships represent a great opportunity to start your Postgraduate Research Career working with world-class academics in a supportive training and development environment. Physics at Bristol was ranked 5th for Research in the 2022 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results, and the University of Bristol is truly world-leading: 55th in the QS World University Ranking (2024) and 81st in the Times Higher Ranking (2024).
What does a Scholarship cover?
For home students, the scholarships will cover living expenses (UKRI rate), University tuition fees (see PhD Physics | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol), and training and support expenses. We also welcome applications from outstanding international candidates: we are able to offer a very small number of fully-funded places, but also accept students who can provide full or partial funding from other sources. If you need an offer letter to apply for a competitive scholarship, please get in contact with us well before any deadlines.
Research Project
The Bristol Particle Physics group is at the forefront of data analysis and operations for several running experiments, while also pioneering research and development on novel detectors and systems for future experiments. We offer PhD positions in any of the specific areas listed below, so please state your research interests in your application.
DUNE - Our group has a leading role in development of the DUNE data-acquisition (DAQ) system, in particular the timing & synchronisation system, and we are actively preparing for physics analysis. As a PhD student starting in 2026, you will play an active role in installation and commissioning of the timing system at the DUNE Far Detector site in South Dakota, as well as the Far Detector itself. Your physics work will focus on the first oscillation analysis with atmospheric neutrinos.
CMS - We specialise in searches for Dark Matter and Higgs boson physics. We published the results of a search for Higgs bosons decaying to invisible particles, combining results from several Higgs boson production mechanisms and data from LHC Run1 and 2. As a PhD student in 2026 you will analyse LHC Run 3 data on these topics while also having the opportunity to developing cutting-edge algorithms (including ML) for both the Level-1 Trigger and the Tracker.
LHCb - We search for new physics through precision measurements of matter-antimatter asymmetry and rare B-hadron decays. These topics are brought together through innovative amplitude analyses of multi-body B- and D-hadron decays, a technique we are world leaders in. We are at the forefront of developing ultra-fast, end-to-end simulations of particle decays using cutting-edge generative machine learning techniques. In parallel, we are designing extremely fast pattern recognition algorithms for LHCb’s future particle ID detectors, the upgraded RICH and the novel TORCH, utilising modern computing architectures such as IPUs (AI-specific chip) and GPUs.
Mu3e – We are preparing to search for signs of new physics at the intensity frontier with this medium-scale but cutting-edge experiment at the world’s most intense continuous muon source at the PSI lab. Using advanced HV-CMOS silicon pixel technology, we aim to detect extremely rare decays of muons. As a PhD student, you will participate in operation of the detector and look for signs of new physics in channels including the flagship µ->3e decay.
LZ - Our group is engaged in the search for dark matter with liquid xenon time projection chambers. This works on the principle that light signals are expected when dark matter scatters off a xenon nucleus. Our research focuses on detecting high-energy nuclear recoil signals expected from effective field theory interactions and we published several papers on this topic in the past 2 years. As a PhD student starting on LZ in 2026 you will contribute to dark matter searches with world-leading sensitivity to WIMP dark matter interactions.
SHiP - We are developing ultra-fast simulation techniques to produce the large data samples required to optimise the experiment design, along with advanced reconstruction and selection algorithms that will enable a zero-background experiment throughout its 15-year operation. As a PhD student, you will apply generative machine learning methods to model challenging background processes with high fidelity, directly influencing the design and performance of the detector. You will also investigate the sensitivity of the SHiP experiment to exotic signatures of physics beyond the Standard Model, that address some of the most profound open questions in fundamental physics.
How do I apply?
You will need (1) a CV, (2) a Personal Statement, which is a one- to two-page document introducing yourself and outlining your motivation for PhD research, and (3) a transcript of any qualifying degrees (completed and/or underway).
You do not need a research proposal but you must specify a research theme or academic supervisor. Please contact the academics within the School of Physics research areas for information.
You need to apply through the University of Bristol application system at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/. Please select Physics PhD on the Programme Choice page. The School of Physics supports Diversity and Equality, and we invite all eligible candidates to apply. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.
Please specify “Bristol Physics Research Scholarships” on the application form as your source of potential funding. Early application is encouraged. The closing date for applications to this call is 19 January 2026.
What are the candidate requirements?
A first degree in physics or a related subject, normally at a level equivalent to at least UK upper second-class honours, or a relevant postgraduate master's qualification. Please see Applying from your country | International students | University of Bristol on the International Office website.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you need to meet English Language Profile F. Further information about this can be found here: English language requirements | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol
Admissions Statement: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2026/phd-physics.pdf
Contacts and further information
Please contact the Bristol Physics Graduate School at: physics-pg@bristol.ac.uk