Quantum materials with actinides: thin films and devices

Quantum materials with actinides: thin films and devices

A world-class environment for your research degree

The School of Physics is offering a portfolio of PhD Scholarships across all its world-class research groups. These prestigious Scholarships represent a great opportunity to start your Postgraduate Research Career working with world-class academics in a supportive training and development environment. Physics at Bristol was ranked 5^th for Research in the 2022 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results, and the University of Bristol is truly world-leading: 55^th in the QS World University Ranking (2024) and 81^st in the Times Higher Ranking (2024).

What does a Scholarship cover?

For home students, the scholarships will cover living expenses (UKRI rate), University tuition fees (see PhD Physics Study at Bristol University of Bristol), and training and support expenses. We also welcome applications from outstanding international candidates: we are able to offer a very small number of fully-funded places, but also accept students who can provide full or partial funding from other sources. If you need an offer letter to apply for a competitive scholarship, please get in contact with us well before any deadlines.

Research Project

Bristol hosts a range of thin film sputtering systems, unique in the UK, capable of creating high quality thin films of actinide materials (U and Th: compounds, alloys and heterostructures). There are a wide range of fascinating directions this project can move into, broadly in the area of creating and controlling novel types of quantum order in thin films and devices using actinide materials.

Possible example projects include the growth of heavy fermion single crystal thin films (e.g. UGe2 and UPt3), which display a range of fascinating physics including unconventional superconductivity, quantum criticality and magnetism. We are also interested in the fundamental physics of elemental uranium metal – which shows charge-density wave transitions and superconductivity, as well as uranium dioxide – which shows complex structural physics combined with magnetism. The strong spin-orbit coupling in uranium and thorium is also of interest for superconducting and spintronic devices, where we can engineer novel superconducting order parameter symmetries on the nanoscale. All of these properties can be tuned via thin film control, varying the strain states of the material and even their crystal symmetries, opening up a huge parameter space for investigation.

Dr Lottie Harding – senior PDRA, with expertise on uranium and reactive metals will support the PhD. She has a wealth of research experience and has been an MSc and PhD student at Bristol, so can offer a lot in the way of pastoral support.

The Bristol Physics Graduate Research Community

If successful, you will become a member of the Physics Graduate School, a vibrant and diverse community of 200-plus research students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds. The Graduate School:

·        runs a comprehensive induction programme to get you off to the best possible start in your research, and a rolling programme of targeted skills training on writing, presenting, project-planning, etc.

·        operates a “one-stop shop” approach to help you navigate through the University procedures

·        organises meetings for postgraduate opportunities, and support in transitioning to post-PhD careers

·        connects you to the wider University, including the Bristol Doctoral College, www.bristol.ac.uk/doctoral-college/.

How do I apply?

You will need (1) a CV, (2) a Personal Statement, which is a one- to two-page document introducing yourself and outlining your motivation for PhD research, and (3) a transcript of any qualifying degrees (completed and/or underway).

Please note that a research statement is not a requirement from the School of Physics, however as it is a system requirement you are encouraged to specify a research theme and a list of your preferred academic supervisors.

Please contact the academics within the School of Physics research areas for information.

Applicants will be assessed on merit, and interviews will be held for shortlisted applicants.

You need to apply through the University of Bristol application system at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/. Please select Physics PhD or Physics MSc by Research on the Programme Choice page. The School of Physics supports Diversity and Equality, and we invite all eligible candidates to apply. We encourage applications from under-represented groups. We hold a Bronze Athena Swan award and a Physics Juno Champion award.

Please specify “Bristol Physics Research Scholarships” on the application form as your source of potential funding. Early application is encouraged. The closing date for applications to this call is 15 January 2025.

What are the candidate requirements?

A first degree in physics or a related subject, normally at a level equivalent to at least UK upper second-class honours, or a relevant postgraduate master’s qualification. Please see Applying from your country International students University of Bristol on the International Office website.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you need to meet English Language Profile F. Further information about this can be found here: English language requirements Study at Bristol University of Bristol

Admissions Statement: https://bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2023/phd-physics.pdf

Contacts and further information

Please contact the Bristol Physics Graduate School at: physics-pg@bristol.ac.uk