A fully funded PhD scholarship in Materials Engineering/Physics is available for research into developing a new class of magnetochromic composites for fibre-optics based magnetic field sensors. The successful candidate will join the world leading Robinson Research Institute at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) at Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
The candidate will undertake materials preparation using solid-state chemistry, thin film fabrication, and ion-implantation, as well as assist in the setting up of a magneto-optical test rig on the Quantum Design physical property measurement system (PPMS). The materials will be characterised and studied by x-ray diffraction, magnetic force microscopy (MFM), SEM, TEM, magnetometer, and physical property measurement system (PPMS). Access to additional resources is available through our affiliation with the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology.
This PhD project is part of a newly funded New Zealand Marsden research programme on ‘Next generation magneto-piezochromic composites for optically based intelligent magnetic field sensing’, which involved researchers from Victoria University of Wellington, GNS Science and University of Boudreaux. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the fundamental understanding of the intrinsic properties that enable the magneto-piezochromic effect (similar to a magnetoelectric effect) plus investigate ways to optimize the stress-strain transfer between the magnetostrictive and piezochromic phases. There is also the opportunity for the candidate to travel abroad to attend international conferences and work with researchers from other parts of New Zealand.
New PhD applicants should complete the PhD Admission online available from
https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/fgr/prospective-phds clearly indicating they wish to apply for the PhD scholarship in “Next generation optical-based magnetic sensors using magnetochromic composites”.
Decision makers:
Applications will be considered by the project leaders Dr Shen Chong and Prof Grant Williams who may consult as appropriate.
Further Information:
Further information can be obtained from and Dr. Shen Chong (
[email protected]) & RRI Postgraduate Administrator (
[email protected]). Applicants should submit a resume, academic record and the names and contact details of two referees with an email subject line “PhD in magnetochromic composites”.
Funding Notes
Applicants should have a degree equivalent to the 4-year Engineering/Science (Honours) degree in New Zealand, with 1st class Honours, or an MSc or postgraduate Diploma with high grades. Candidates should satisfy the requirements for admission as a PhD candidate at Victoria University and applicants should ensure that they can satisfy the English language requirements.
The successful applicant will receive a stipend of NZD $27,500p.a. as well as payment of all university tuition fees.
The scholarship is to be awarded for a period of 3 years.
