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
2. K. Guratinder, T. G. Romig, H. C. Mandujano, C. Stock and E. E. Rodriguez
3. Phys. Rev. B. 113, 064417 (2026).
4. Magnetoelastic Dynamics of the Spin Jahn-Teller Transition in CoTi₂O₅
5. K. Guratinder, R. D. Johnson, D. Prabhakaran, R. A. Taylor, F. Lang, S. J. Blundell et al.
6. Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 256702 (2025) (Editor’s suggestions).
7. Anisotropic Band‐Split Magnetism in Magnetostrictive CoFe₂O₄
8. Harry Lane, Guratinder Kaur, Masahiro Kawamata, Yusuke Nambu, Lukas Keller, et al.
9. Advanced Functional Materials, e16830, (2025).
10. Acoustic lattice instabilities at the magneto-structural transition in Fe1.057(7)Te
11. K. Guratinder, E. Chan, E.E. Rodriguez, J.A. Rodriguez-Rivera, U. Stuhr et al.
12. 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

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
2. K. Guratinder, T. G. Romig, H. C. Mandujano, C. Stock and E. E. Rodriguez
3. Phys. Rev. B. 113, 064417 (2026).
4. Magnetoelastic Dynamics of the Spin Jahn-Teller Transition in CoTi₂O₅
5. K. Guratinder, R. D. Johnson, D. Prabhakaran, R. A. Taylor, F. Lang, S. J. Blundell et al.
6. Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 256702 (2025) (Editor’s suggestions).
7. Anisotropic Band‐Split Magnetism in Magnetostrictive CoFe₂O₄
8. Harry Lane, Guratinder Kaur, Masahiro Kawamata, Yusuke Nambu, Lukas Keller, et al.
9. Advanced Functional Materials, e16830, (2025).
10. Acoustic lattice instabilities at the magneto-structural transition in Fe1.057(7)Te
11. K. Guratinder, E. Chan, E.E. Rodriguez, J.A. Rodriguez-Rivera, U. Stuhr et al.
12. 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