The proposed PhD project aims to understand the star-formation processes in nearby LIRGs using a combination of multi-frequency and multi-resolution radio observations. In particular, our aim is to decompose local galaxies into their constituent parts, to trace the nature of the InterStellar Medium in LIRGs to disentangle clumpy from uniform environment, as well as to unveil nuclear outflows. The student will make use of the competitive advantage of our data from the high-resolution e-MERLIN legacy project LIRGI, a sample that includes 42 local (D < 260 Mpc) galaxies of the most luminous infrared galaxies. The main tasks will be:

● Master the data calibration techniques for e-MERLIN and LOFAR. The host team
includes world-experts on these instruments.
● Process already available e-MERLIN continuum data from project LIRGI. Develop
analysis techniques to process the spectral line and polarization modes.
● Lead LOFAR-LIRGI proposals to complete the whole LIRGI sample.
● Process already available and new LOFAR data to study the low-frequency emission
of the sources.
● Present the results in international conferences.
● Strengthen collaborations with groups in the United Kingdom and Sweden to
scientifically exploit the rich multiwavelength LIRGs data available to the
international team.
● Participate in preparatory activities within the SKA Extragalactic Continuum Science
Working Group to participate in future calls for SKA Key Science Projects.

The successful candidate is expected to lead the publication of the e-MERLIN and LOFAR scientific results, and to collaborate with an international team to exploit the combined data from e-MERLIN, LOFAR, JVLA and EVN interferometers. He/she will make full use of the computing infrastructure of the SKA Regional Centre prototype at
the IAA. The scientific and technical background gained during this PhD will prepare the candidate for potential decade-long extensions of this project with the future SKA.