We are pleased to offer this fully-funded PhD studentship, available in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Sussex.

We consider a quantum system that we initialize out of equilibrium and isolate from any external bath. Can we expect it to feature characteristics of equilibration or even thermalization? How does classical statistical mechanics emerge when size and complexity increase? Those questions have been debated since the early days of quantum mechanics, but many questions remain open. The student will work on a theoretical description of equilibration processes by using different analytical and numerical techniques. The project will yield predictions on non-equilibrium phenomena in systems like trapped atoms and superfluids. Furthermore, we will explore applications in the field of quantum sensing and in the preparation of novel quantum states of matterThe PhD project will be under the supervision of Dr Diego Porras.

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

Award amount

£14057 (2015-16) per year tax-free maintenance bursary, plus UK/EU fees waived for 3.5 years. Full-time study.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold, or expect to hold, a UK Bachelor degree in Physics at first or upper second class. A UK Master’s degree in Physics is an advantage. Equivalent non-UK qualifications are accepted. A high standard of written and spoken English is essential.

Due to funding restrictions, the studentship is open to UK and EU resident students only.

Application procedure

Apply through the Sussex on-line system http://www.sussex.ac.uk/pgapplication

State in the Funding section of the application form that you are applying for the «PhD studentship on Theoretical description of non-equilibrium quantum matter».

Applications should include a CV, transcripts of marks obtained on your degree(s), the name and contact details of two academic referees, and a personal statement explaining your suitability for the project.

Timetable

Early application is advised. The studentship will be allocated as soon as a suitable candidate is found. The very latest we can accept an application is 31st August 2016, but the position is likely to be filled before this date.

Preferred start dates at Sussex: 1st February 2016 or 12th May 2016.

Other start dates may be negotiable.

Further information

This is a full-time studentship and the successful candidate will be able to devote their whole time to research. With agreement of the supervisor the student may take on a limited amount of teaching, for which additional payment will be made.

The Sussex Centre for Quantum Technolgies research webpages can be found here: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/scqt/

Contact details

Informal enquiries should be send to Dr Diego Porras, http://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/326485

Enquiries about your eligibility, the progress of your application, and admission to Sussex, should be sent to Rebecca Foster at mpsresearchsupport@sussex.ac.uk

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, we are usually able to contact only those candidates who we wish to interview.