Research Fellow x2 (107028-0123)

2 x Fixed term contracts for 12 months with a start date of 1 April 2023 (there may be a possibility of extension for a further 6 months), 1.0 FTE.

The Department of Physics seeks to appoint two Research Fellows with theoretical and computational modelling skills to participate in an international project on the investigation of new magnetic materials.

Magnetic materials are ubiquitous and technologically indispensable. They are used in data storage, motors, generators, electronic devices, solid state cooling, medical treatment therapies and diagnostics, toys and so on. This versatility comes from the complex glue of electrons which both binds the nuclei of a material together and generates the magnetism. Each one of the septillions of electrons has both charge and intrinsic spin. The spins cause atomic-scale, relatively long-lived magnetic moments to emerge from the electronic fluid and the moments' behaviour fixes properties such as the overall magnetisation along with its resilience and response to magnetic fields. At high temperatures the moments disorder so that they average out to produce a low or zero magnetisation. At lower temperatures ordered patterns of the moments form, changing the material's properties.

Recently, in the PRETAMAG project (www.warwick.ac.uk/pretamag), we established ab initio computational modelling, which describes how intrinsic magnetic properties change as the temperature is varied, a magnetic field applied, the material is strained etc. Apart from the type of crystal structure and lattice parameters, the only inputs to the modelling are the types of atoms, their relative proportions, and their positions within the crystal lattice. This information is taken from experiment where available or prescribed from the outset. In this new project we are integrating the modelling with a determination of how the atoms are arranged in multicomponent materials to make it truly predictive. Working closely with experimental project partners at Northeastern University in Boston (USA), we are testing the computational modelling and collaborating on methods to streamline manufacture of technologically important magnetic materials.

You will possess a solid background in density-functional theory, experience of both first principles electronic structure calculations of magnetic materials and atomistic simulations of phase diagrams. You will have a strong interest and aptitude for theoretical development and scientific computing.

You will be an excellent communicator capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a research team. You will possess excellent planning and time management skills to ensure your research objectives are achieved effectively.

If you are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD but have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 of the University grade structure (£31,411). Upon receipt of evidence of the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure (£32,348).

Please direct all informal inquiries Prof. Julie Staunton (j.b.staunton@warwick.ac.uk).

Interview Date: TBC.

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the Apply button.

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