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  Superconductors that survive ultra-high magnetic fields: Revealing the role of symmetry


   Department of Physics

   Applications accepted all year round  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

The University of Otago is pleased to offer one PhD studentship funded by the Royal Society of New Zealand to study the theory of unconventional superconductivity in the Department of Physics on a full-time basis.

Project Description

We seek a PhD candidate to work in the group of Dr Philip Brydon at the University of Otago on a research project funded by the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Marsden Fund, specifically to explore the physics of unconventional superconductivity in nonsymmorphic lattices. The successful candidate must hold a degree in physics, and will work closely with the principal investigator Dr Philip Brydon and associate investigator Prof. Daniel Agterberg (University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee).

The project is inspired by the recent discovery that superconductivity persists to remarkably high magnetic field strengths in CeRh2As2. The nonsymmorphic symmetry of the crystal lattice has been proposed to play a critical role, not only allowing a field-induced transition between different superconducting states, but also boosting the effect of spin-orbit coupling. Nonsymmorphic lattice are not uncommon in nature, and these features make them a promising setting for superconductivity with unconventional properties. The aim of the project is to explore the implications of the nonsymmorphic symmetry for superconductivity and its interplay with magnetism.

The specific topic for the project allows for some flexibility depending on the candidate’s interests. Possible topics include studying the competition and coexistence of superconductivity with antiferromagnetism on nonsymmorphic lattices, and to evaluate such systems for potential use as an antiferromagnetic spintronics platform. We are also interested in finding signatures of the competing superconducting states enabled by the nonsymmorphic symmetry, either in the collective modes of the superconductor or in the response to real-space inhomogeneities. All projects will involve both analytical and numerical calculation.

We are looking for a highly-motivated student with good communication skills who wants to work at the cutting edge of condensed matter physics. The successful candidate ideally has some research experience in theoretical quantum or many-body physics. Familiarity with quantum field theory methods will be a great advantage but is not essential. The student is also expected to be fluent in at least one scientific programming language.

What we offer

The successful applicant will receive a PhD scholarship of NZ$35,000 stipend per annum plus fees. The stipend is for three years. The scholarship is tax-free.

We also provide funding to support research, including for travel to visit collaborators and attend conferences.

Eligibility requirements

The candidate must have a Masters or 1st class honours or equivalent degree in physics.

Applicants must also meet Otago University entry requirements for admission to a PhD. Award of the scholarship is conditional on the university accepting your enrolment. The successful applicant will be guided through the process of formally applying for admission. The process and elligibility requirements are described in full at

https://www.otago.ac.nz/graduate-research/phd-application-process2

This project is based in Dunedin, New Zealand and is available for immediate start.

How to apply

To express your interest in this scholarship and PhD research opportunity, please prepare the following items:

A brief CV including qualifications, academic achievements, list of publications, work history, and contact details of two references.

A copy of your academic transcript(s).

Please submit your application via email to the main supervisor of this project Dr Philip Brydon () who will guide you through the scholarship application process.

Physics (29)

Funding Notes

Funded by the Royal Society of New Zealand's Marsden fund

Register your interest for this project


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