Dr Grant Williams
Applications accepted all year round
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
One PhD scholarship in physics is offered for research into enhancing the superconducting critical current density, Jc, in iron-based superconductors for ultra-high magnetic field applications. The successful candidate will join the world leading Robinson Research Institute [1] and the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences [2] at Victoria University of Wellington.
The thesis research includes material preparation using magnetron sputtering, high-temperature single crystal growth, and ion-implantation in New Zealand and abroad. The materials will be characterised and studied by x-ray diffraction, magnetic force microscopy (MFM), SEM, TEM, high magnetic field and high-pressure magnetometer, and using the physical property measurement system (PPMS) at Victoria University of Wellington and the Robinson Research Centre. Access to additional resources is available from the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology [3]. The MacDiarmid Institute is a Centre of Research Excellence comprising universities and other institutions throughout New Zealand. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the fundamental understanding of the intrinsic properties that enhances Jc and nano-engineer vortex pinning centers for the development of iron-based superconducting wires. There is also the opportunity for the candidate to travel abroad to our collaborators’ laboratory in Australia and Europe.
Applicants should have a physics degree equivalent to the 4-year BSc (Honours) degree in New Zealand, with 1st class Honours, or an MSc or postgraduate Diploma with high grades. We are seeking a highly motivated person with an excellent academic record, a good understanding of solid state physics, and able to work well in a team. Candidates should satisfy the requirements for admission as a PhD candidate at Victoria University [4] and applicants should ensure that they can satisfy the English language requirements.
Funding Notes
The scholarship provides a generous non-taxed living allowance of NZ$27,500 per annum plus the PhD tuition fee for three years.
Please send a resume, academic record, and the names and contact details of two Referees to: [Email Address Removed] with “PhD in Fe-based superconductors” in the subject line.
References
[1] http://www.victoria.ac.nz/robinson
[2] http://www.victoria.ac.nz/scps
[3] http://macdiarmid.ac.nz/
[4] http://www.victoria.ac.nz/fgr/prospective-phds/qualifications-required.aspx