This studentship will allow the student to acquire a strong expertise on topics at the forefront of research in an exciting and rapidly expanding field of theoretical condensed matter physics.
We have now closed applications for this studentship due to all places being filled.
- Qualification Type: PhD
- Hours: Full Time
- Title of project: Phonon Effects on Transport in Weyl and Dirac Semimetals
- Placed On: 1st February 2022
Overview
Applications are invited for a PhD studentship in the Department of Mathematics. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on the theory of phonon effects on transport in Weyl and Dirac semimetals.
Weyl and Dirac semimetals are currently among the most intensely studied quantum materials, both for their fascinating fundamental properties as well as for their relevance in material engineering and technological applications.
In these quantum materials, the electronic properties are largely controlled by topology and symmetries of the band structure, which lead to many new exotic phenomena. Yet, electron-phonon interactions are unavoidable in real materials and play a crucial role in the transport properties.
The research project aims at elucidating the basic mechanisms and observable consequences of electron-phonon interactions on charge and heat conduction in Weyl and Dirac semimetals.
The successful candidate will study the interplay between the topological properties of the electronic states and the scattering processes generated by the long-wavelength acoustic phonons, with the aim of determining the transport characteristics, in particular in finite size geometries relevant to device applications.
The proposed project will allow the student to acquire a strong expertise on topics at the forefront of research in an exciting and rapidly expanding field of theoretical condensed matter physics.
The student will be encouraged to publish results of their research in high impact academic journals and present them at international conferences. They will also have the opportunity to join existing collaborations with international research groups.
Eligibility and requirements
The candidate should have an upper second-class honours BSc/MSc (or equivalent, or higher) degree in physics or applied mathematics. They should demonstrate aptitude for original research.
The candidate should possess a good working knowledge of basic concepts of solid state physics and aptitude for the use of advanced mathematical methods applied to physics.
A doctoral candidate is expected to meet the following pre-requisites for their PhD:
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge of their research area
- Achieve and demonstrate significant depth in at least a few chosen sub-areas relevant to their primary research area
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research, including a critical assessment of their own and others’ research
Having published high-quality papers in reputable peer-reviewed conferences and journals will be an advantage for the candidate.
Funding
The studentship is for 3 years and will provide full coverage of tuition fees (Home and Overseas) and an annual tax-free stipend of £12,000.
Each student would also have the opportunity to earn around £2.2K pa on an average (max. is around £4.3K pa) through a teaching assistantship. We shall prioritise these scholarship holders while allocating the teaching assistantships.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying, you are encouraged to email initial informal enquiries to Alessandro De Martino.
Visit our Mathematics research degrees web page for further information on making a formal application.
When submitting your application, enter the title “Phonon Effects on Transport in Weyl and Dirac Semimetals” and you will automatically be considered for this studentship.
You do not need to submit a proposal as part of your application as the project has already been outlined.
The online application can be found in the ‘How to apply section’ in the web link above and should include the following supporting documents:
- Copies of Degree Certificates and Transcripts in official English translation - original will be requested before an offer is made.
- Official work e-mail addresses (not private ones) for two referees (one of which must be an academic).
- Proof of English Language proficiency (minimum average score of 6.5 IELTS, with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components) if English is not your first language.
- Passport.
The outcome of the selection process should be announced by the end of June. The successful candidate will formally start their doctorate either in July or in October 2022.
For queries regarding the application process, please email the School.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
City, University of London is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all its activities, processes, and culture, for our whole community, including staff, students and visitors.
We welcome applications regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or social class. For more information on our approaches to encouraging an inclusive environment, please see our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages.