PhD Scholarship in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
Institution: University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
Supervisor: Dr Gunnar Möller
We seek candidates for a four-year PhD position within a Royal Society funded project on “Fluctuation driven orders near quantum critical points”.
We are looking for candidates with enthusiasm for both field theory and computational research in strongly correlated phases: The goal of this project is a quantitative study of quantum critical fluctuations based on a combination of quantum order by disorder theory and stochastic resummations of Feynman graphs known as diagrammatic Monte-Carlo. Firstly, we will examine how fluctuations can entropically stabilise non-trivial phases near the ferromagnetic quantum critical point, found in materials such as ZrZn2. Secondly, we will study phases emerging from the competition of superconducting and nematic orders in models of iron-based superconductors.
The project will offer exposure to numerical and analytical methods of quantum many-body physics. The candidate will perform tasks ranging from code development, simulation and data analysis to the application of analytic models and comparison to theory predictions, allowing them to develop their understanding of condensed matter physics alongside strong computational and programming skills.
The position is placed within the School of Physical Sciences at the University of Kent in Canterbury under the direct supervision of Dr Gunnar Möller, and will involve an external collaboration with Prof. Andrew Green and Dr Frank Krüger at University College London. The post is part of a growing theoretical physics community within our interdisciplinary Functional Materials Group. The candidate will also benefit from our international network of collaborators.
The post holder will enjoy the following opportunities:
Deeply understand the physics of quantum many-body systems.
Learn advanced scientific computing and code development skills and deploy simulations of quantum many-body systems based on diagrammatic Monte-Carlo.
Attend international meetings, visit collaborators and participate in outreach activities, thanks to generous travel funds provided.
Work with high-performance computing facilities, including the new EPSRC Tier2 Materials Hub facility.
Benefit from access to both the Graduate School of the University of Kent and within the SEPNet Consortium.
Full funding is available for UK / EU candidates. Applicants from other countries are also eligible for the scholarship award, but would need to cover international student fees from other sources. This PhD Studentship is available with immediate effect with a flexible start date, and the post should be taken up before 16 September 2018.
Application deadline: 6 February 2018.
For full information on how to apply and for the person specification, please see [
www.kent.ac.uk].
Contact for project queries: Dr Gunnar Möller,
G.Moller@kent.ac.uk