PhD Studentship in Condensed Matter Physics: Modelling Colour Centres in Diamond and Related Materials for Application as QUBITs

Award summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate).

Overview

Diamond is a material of extremes, known not only for its extreme hardness and use as a gem-stone, but recently emerging at the forefront of quantum technology with the use of point defects to store and manipulate information at a quantum level. 

Computational and theoretical physics has played a central role in our understanding of diamond at all levels, and there is an increasing focus upon to accurate, quantitative modelling for both predictive and interpretive uses. Such modelling is necessarily computational demanding, and working on this project will include the use of high-performance computing, coding and data analysis. Training in the materials physics, use of the operating system and software will be provided; although not essential, previous experience using computational methods and coding would be an distinct advantage. Postgraduate students can also take part in a range of paid teaching activities for which training is provided.

In this project the successful candidate will join our research group to work on quantum-mechanical modelling of a range problems from point and extended defects to quantitative model development. The work will be in close collaboration with groups working on experimental collection of data, including colleagues from Physics and Engineering in Warwick University.  

Number of awards: 1

Start date: 16^th September 2024

Award duration: 3.5 years

Sponsor: EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTP)

Supervisors: Prof. Jon Goss

Eligibility criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (especially physics, applied mathematics, chemistry and engineering, or allied subject). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8821F
• Please leave ‘Research Area’ field blank.
• Select ‘PhD Physics (full time) - Theoretical' as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form  
• The studentship code MSP085 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field  
• When prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact details

Prof Jon Goss, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics

jonathan.goss@newcastle.ac.uk

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