PhD Studentship: Symmetry-Based Optimal Control of Nuclear Spins

PhD Supervisor: Prof Malcolm Levitt FRS, Dr Marina Carravetta, Prof Ilya Kuprov

Supervisory Team: Prof Malcolm Levitt FRS, Dr Marina Carravetta, Prof Ilya Kuprov

Project description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a widespread quantum technology that exploits the quantum magnetic properties of atomic nuclei to probe the dynamics and structure of matter, using strong magnetic fields. One example of an NMR technique is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is of great clinical importance. This project concerns the design and implementation of radiofrequency waveforms in order to control the quantum dynamics of nuclear magnetism with high robustness and precision, in order to optimise advanced NMR experiments, with applications over a range of areas including biomolecular structure determination, chemical structure investigations, and hyperpolarised magnetic resonance imaging. The project will be a combination of theory, simulation, and experiment.

This project will develop skills and expertise in quantum theory, quantum control, supercomputing, nuclear magnetic resonance, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

If you are interested, please contact the supervisor for more information: Malcolm Levitt mhl@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2024.

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships.  For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton  Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD iMR”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor.

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

The University of Southampton is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking to study part time. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

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