Precision flavour physics observables from Lattice QCD

Supervisors: Tobias Tsang (UoL), Martin Gorbahn (UoL), Simon Hands (UoL) 
Institution: University of Liverpool 

In this PhD project you will make first principle theory predictions highly relevant for particle physics experiments at supercolliders such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. These predictions based on Lattice Quantum Field Theory will aid the search for hitherto undiscovered New Physics extending beyond the Standard Model. 

You will perform sophisticated analyses of large datasets from Lattice QCD simulations which is the only known first-principle method to relate the Standard Model description of the theory of quarks and gluons (Quantum Chromodynamics) to experimentally observable bound states called “hadrons”. You will develop methods to optimally extract hadronic form factors from existing data sets, with a particular focus on decays of mesons containing a heavy (charm or bottom) quark. This will culminate in predictions of several hadronic form factors, parameterising the decays of D(s) and B(s) mesons which are experimentally accessible at the LHC (CERN) and other supercolliders. These predictions are highly anticipated by the wider theoretical and experimental particle physics communities and will aid the search for New Physics. 

You will join the Fundamental Particle Physics team based in the Department of Mathematical Sciences within the School of Physical Sciences. You will furthermore become a member of the RBC/UKQCD collaboration with world-leading experts in all aspects relevant to this work and access to significant High Performance Computing time on supercomputers in the UK and around the globe. Proximity to the highly relevant LHCb experiment with a group including the UK-spokesperson situated at the University of Liverpool will aid the optimal exploitation of the underlying data to achieve maximal relevance of the results. 

This project will be carried out over 48 months starting in October 2025. As part of this programme, you will have the opportunity to carry out a 6-month work placement. This position will be funded in part by STFC (subject to confirmation) and the LIV.INNO Centre for Doctoral Training for Innovation in Data Intensive Science. 

Throughout the project you will have access to comprehensive postgraduate training in theoretical physics at the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Liverpool, as well as targeted training in data science provided by the University of Liverpool with the Centre for Doctoral Training LIV.INNO 

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply/

The delivery of this project is subject to funding approval. Information on how to apply will follow shortly.