PhD Studentship: EPSRC: Spin-Lattice Dynamics in Advanced Magnetic Materials

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for a 3.5-year PhD studentship, commencing Oct 2026 or Jan 2027. The award is open to Home (UK) applicants, with EU/settled status considered case-by-case, and includes a tax-free stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26) plus tuition fees paid.

The project will use atomistic spin-lattice dynamics to explore spin manipulation in magnetic systems, including 2D magnets, with strong national and international collaborations.

Qualifications

• Applicant should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.
• Experience with atomistic spin-lattice dynamics simulations is desirable.
• Strong analytical and programming skills are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Employ atomistic spin-lattice dynamics simulations to investigate spin manipulation in magnetic systems.
• Study two-dimensional magnetic materials and related interface/proximity effects.
• Collaborate with national and international partners throughout the project.
• Present findings through reports and publications.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Computational modelling

Education

2.1 honours degree (or master's)

Master’s degree (international equivalent)

Job description

This 3.5 -year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK applicants). The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26, subject to annual uplift) and tuition fees will be paid.

We expect the stipend to increase each year. EU students with settled or pre-settled status and international student can apply but their application eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis

The start date is October 2026 or January 2027.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline. Advanced magnetic materials proved a versatile platform for exploring emergent spin phenomena and developing next-generation technologies.

In this PhD project, the candidate will employ atomistic spin-lattice dynamics simulations, a framework that combines atomistic spin dynamics (magnons) with molecular dynamics (phonons), to investigate gateways of manipulating spins in various magneticsystems.

Systems of interest include two dimensional (2D) magnetic materials since they offer several key advantages over traditional bulk materials such as interface and proximity effects that can be exploited for device functionality and reduced electrical current requirements, making them highly promising for energy efficient computing and storage technologies.

This PhD project will provide novel insights for exploring phonons and emergent phenomena in future spintronic and quantum technologies.

The successful candidate will benefit from strong national and international collaborations throughout the project.

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in an relevant science or engineering related discipline.

£20,780 tax-free stipend and tuition fees will be paid.