PhD Studentship: Harnessing Quantum Spintronics in 2D Materials for the Quantum Technologies

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and data centre requirements is significantly increasing global electricity consumption. For instance, a typical Google search consumes 0.3 Wh of electricity, while a single ChatGPT prompt utilises approximately 10 times more. By the time you start this PhD, data centres alone could consume 5-10% of global energy production, contributing substantially to greenhouse gas emissions and waste heat. It is possible to harness this waste heat for performing low-power computing tasks (see our earlier work https://www.nature.com/articles/nphys2743).

In this project, we aim to develop innovative solutions to address these challenges and ensure a sustainable digital future through novel spintronic devices that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and utilise the quantum properties of two-dimensional materials such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, and topological materials.

As a PhD candidate, you will have a unique opportunity to contribute to technological advances necessary to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications through collaboration with a team of experts at the forefront of this field to

1. Create innovative spintronic architectures that address current challenges in digital sustainability.
2. Evaluate the potential of topological materials in enhancing the efficiency of spintronic devices.
3. Propose and validate new spintronic device concepts that leverage the unique characteristics of two-dimensional materials.

What we offer you:

1. Excellent and unique research infrastructure that enables the fabrication of nanodevices under inert environments.
2. Bespoke training and development plan ranging from soft skills to advanced computational, experimental, and modelling techniques to training on scientific writing and presenting at international conferences.
3. A supportive research environment with a diverse research community that enables interaction with multidisciplinary researchers who share the goal of developing technology that impacts the future of computing, energy harvesting, and data storage technologies.

Primary supervisor: Dr Fasil Dejene

Secondary supervisor: Dr Mark Greenaway

Entry requirements:

Students should have or expect to obtain a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree (or its equivalent) in physics, materials engineering, or a related field. While knowledge in nanofabrication, quantum devices, and spintronics is beneficial, we are primarily looking for individuals who exhibit enthusiasm for scientific inquiry, hard work, perseverance, strong communication abilities, collaborative skills, and the capacity to offer fresh insights.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Funding information:

The studentship is for 3 years full-time equivalent and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

Please note that studentships will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who have applied to this project and other advertised projects starting with advert reference ‘SCI25-’ in the School of Science. Successful candidates will be informed during April 2025.

How to Apply:

All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select ‘Physics’. Please quote the advertised reference number: ‘SCI25-FD’ in your application. 

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit a CV and the minimum supporting documents. 

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. 

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