Dr. Phil Bull

Associate Professor

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Biography

Phil Bull is a Reader in Cosmology at the University of Manchester, where he contributes significantly to the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics. His research primarily focuses on mapping the large-scale structure of the universe through optical and radio telescopes and understanding gravitational physics and cosmic acceleration. He is actively involved in major projects like the HERA and MeerKLASS surveys, which target the redshifted 21cm line of neutral hydrogen across various redshifts. Phil is also the Principal Investigator for the MapItAll project, funded by an ERC Starting Grant, which aims to develop a Bayesian inference code for 21cm cosmology. In addition to theoretical observational cosmology, he has undertaken research in radio instrumentation, including projects like the RHINO experiment, the PopHorn concept, and the TITAN radio array concept. Beyond his research, Phil has contributed significantly to the open-source movement, particularly in the Ubuntu community, where he has held roles in documentation and outreach. He has also co-authored books on Ubuntu. At the University of Manchester, Phil serves as a Senior Mentor and PhD admissions tutor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, teaching courses on Digital Electronics and Galaxy Formation.

Research Interests

Experience

Reader

2022-03-01 — Present

University of Manchester • Manchester, UK

Reader in Cosmology at the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics.

Postdoc

2013-01-01 — 2015-12-31

University of Oslo • Oslo, Norway

Conducted research in theoretical astrophysics.

NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellow

2015-01-01 — 2017-12-31

JPL/Caltech • Pasadena, CA, USA

Worked as a postdoctoral researcher.

Postdoc

2017-01-01 — 2018-12-31

Radio Astronomy Lab and BCCP UC Berkeley • Berkeley, CA, USA

Engaged in research related to radio astronomy.

Requirements for University of Manchester

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or science subject Strong background in mathematics and physics
Application Checklist
  • Academic transcripts
  • Two academic references
  • Personal statement
  • CV/Resume
  • English language proficiency certificate
Specialization Notes

Includes MSc in Advanced Electrical Power Systems and MSc in Communications and Signal Processing.