Magnetism and Structure–Dynamics Interplay in Correlated Materials

About the Project

Project Summary

Understanding how magnetic order, crystal structure, and spin dynamics interact is central to the discovery and control of new functional and quantum materials. Many strongly correlated systems exhibit rich behaviour arising from the coupling between lattice, spin, and electronic degrees of freedom, which can be accessed uniquely through scattering techniques.

This PhD project will focus on the experimental investigation of magnetic and novel functional materials, using neutron scattering as a primary probe, with complementary measurements carried out using X-ray diffraction on lab-based systems. The student will receive broad training in elastic and inelastic neutron techniques, alongside hands-on experience with magnetic, thermal, and transport measurements as well as materials synthesis and characterization.

A key aim of the project is to develop a deep physical understanding of structure–magnetism–dynamics relationships in real materials. Experiments will be carried out both in the laboratory and at international large-scale neutron and X-ray facilities, providing the student with experience of working in a global research environment.

See below, for examples the output from our group that used similar approaches for such materials.

1. Spin reorientations in structurally metastable, disordered, and hexagonal Cr₇Te₈
   K. Guratinder, T. G. Romig, H. C. Mandujano, C. Stock and E. E. Rodriguez
   Phys. Rev. B. 113, 064417 (2026).
2. Magnetoelastic Dynamics of the Spin Jahn-Teller Transition in CoTi₂O₅
   K. Guratinder, R. D. Johnson, D. Prabhakaran, R. A. Taylor, F. Lang, S. J. Blundell et al.
   Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 256702 (2025) (Editor’s suggestions).
3. Anisotropic Band‐Split Magnetism in Magnetostrictive CoFe₂O₄
   Harry Lane, Guratinder Kaur, Masahiro Kawamata, Yusuke Nambu, Lukas Keller, et al.
   Advanced Functional Materials, e16830, (2025).
4. Acoustic lattice instabilities at the magneto-structural transition in Fe1.057(7)Te
   K. Guratinder, E. Chan, E.E. Rodriguez, J.A. Rodriguez-Rivera, U. Stuhr et al.
   Phys. Rev. B. 108, 214411 (2023).

Candidate Profile:

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics/Chemistry/Material Science or a closely related discipline.

We are particularly interested in candidates who:

• have a strong interest in material science
• are motivated to learn neutron and X-ray scattering techniques
• are keen to work in an international and collaborative research environment
• Prior experience with neutron scattering, X-ray techniques, materials synthesis, measurements is welcome but not required.

Location:

The PhD will be based at the University of Edinburgh, UK, with travel to international neutron and X-ray facilities as part of the project.

How to Apply:

Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact for further details.:

Guratinder Kaur: gkaur2@ed.ac.uk

Subject Areas Chemistry: Physical, Material Science: others: Sustainable Materials, Inorganic synthesis Physics: Solid State Physics, others: Condensed matter Physics, Neutron/X-ray scattering