PhD Studentship - Curvature and Topological Effects in Two-Dimensional Quantum Fluids (PROMENTD_U26SCI)

Project Supervisor - Dr Davide Proment

Come and join the research group of Dr Davide Proment at the University of East Anglia (UK) to explore how curvature and topology influence the behaviour of two-dimensional quantum fluids such as superfluid helium and Bose–Einstein condensates. This PhD forms part of an international research project in collaboration with theoreticians at the University of São Carlos (Brazil), ECT*/TIFPA (Trento, Italy) and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Madrid, Spain), and experimentalists at Lancaster University (UK) and CNR-INO/LENS (Florence, Italy).

The project aims to understand how the properties of thin quantum-fluid films—systems that behave in strikingly non-classical ways—are affected by surface geometry. Two key cases will be investigated: quantum fluids confined to a spherical surface and those on a toroidal (doughnut-shaped) surface. These geometries differ fundamentally in curvature and topology, and only in the past few years have experiments begun to explore them. Although the PhD work will be primarily theoretical and numerical, you will collaborate closely with experimental groups capable of realising these configurations in the laboratory. 

By joining Dr Proment’s group, you will become part of a vibrant research environment specialising in nonlinear and quantum fluid dynamics. You will also have the opportunity to visit partner institutions and work with leading experts in the field. 

We seek an enthusiastic and talented candidate with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics or a related discipline. A solid background in quantum mechanics, fluid mechanics, partial differential equations, and numerical methods is highly desirable. 

For further information and relevant references, please contact Dr. Davide Proment at d.proment@uea.ac.uk.

Entry Requirements

Acceptable first degree - Physics, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Computer Sciences. 

The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1.

Mode of study: Full-time

Start date: 1^st October 2026

Funding

This PhD project is in a competition for a Faculty of Science funded studentship. Funding is available to UK applicants and comprises ‘home’ tuition fees and an annual stipend for 3 years.

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