PhD Studentship in Physics (University of Nottingham)

Institution: University of Nottingham – School of Physics & Astronomy Location: UK Reference: SCI3054 Closing Date: Thursday, 23 April 2026 Project Overview This PhD project focuses on spin-polarised scanning probe microscopy to image, understand, and control magnetic order at the atomic scale in unconventional magnetic materials. Key areas include: Use of low-temperature STM and AFM to detect and map complex magnetic textures in emerging materials such as 2D magnets, altermagnets, and compensated spin-split systems. Investigation and manipulation of topological magnetic textures (vortices, merons, domain walls) at the atomic scale using controlled current, electric fields, and temperature modulation. Focus on altermagnetic materials, which break time-reversal symmetry while remaining magnetically compensated, with applications in superconductors, topological phases, and low-energy spintronic devices. Strong links with experimental nanoscience, magnetism, and spintronics, providing training in advanced experimental techniques, data analysis, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Research Goals and Impact Establish causal links between atomic-scale structure, symmetry breaking, and emergent magnetic topology. Explore mechanisms governing stability, dynamics, and defect interactions in altermagnetic materials. Produce high-impact publications and present at international conferences. Aligns with EPSRC strategic priorities: Advanced Materials, Quantum & Emergent Phenomena, Digital Futures. Contributes to long-term challenges such as low-energy information technologies and transformative material functionalities. Candidate Requirements Background in Physics, Materials Science, or related disciplines. Interest in scanning probe microscopy, magnetism, spintronics, or condensed-matter physics. Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary research environment combining experiment, theory, and materials growth. Application and Contact Contact: Dr. Brian Kiraly for further information and informal enquiries. This studentship offers hands-on experience at the cutting edge of atomic-scale magnetism, with strong potential for both academic and industrial career paths. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

Institution: University of Nottingham – School of Physics & Astronomy
Location: UK
Reference: SCI3054
Closing Date: Thursday, 23 April 2026

Project Overview

This PhD project focuses on spin-polarised scanning probe microscopy to image, understand, and control magnetic order at the atomic scale in unconventional magnetic materials. Key areas include:

Use of low-temperature STM and AFM to detect and map complex magnetic textures in emerging materials such as 2D magnets, altermagnets, and compensated spin-split systems.
Investigation and manipulation of topological magnetic textures (vortices, merons, domain walls) at the atomic scale using controlled current, electric fields, and temperature modulation.
Focus on altermagnetic materials, which break time-reversal symmetry while remaining magnetically compensated, with applications in superconductors, topological phases, and low-energy spintronic devices.
Strong links with experimental nanoscience, magnetism, and spintronics, providing training in advanced experimental techniques, data analysis, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.

Research Goals and Impact

Establish causal links between atomic-scale structure, symmetry breaking, and emergent magnetic topology.
Explore mechanisms governing stability, dynamics, and defect interactions in altermagnetic materials.
Produce high-impact publications and present at international conferences.
Aligns with EPSRC strategic priorities: Advanced Materials, Quantum & Emergent Phenomena, Digital Futures.
Contributes to long-term challenges such as low-energy information technologies and transformative material functionalities.

Candidate Requirements

Background in Physics, Materials Science, or related disciplines.
Interest in scanning probe microscopy, magnetism, spintronics, or condensed-matter physics.
Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary research environment combining experiment, theory, and materials growth.

Application and Contact

Contact: Dr. Brian Kiraly for further information and informal enquiries.

This studentship offers hands-on experience at the cutting edge of atomic-scale magnetism, with strong potential for both academic and industrial career paths.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

Apply

All Jobs