Tuesday, December 15, 2026
Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Muon spectroscopy is a mainstream technique providing decisive results in quantum magnetism, unconventional superconductivity, materials science and chemical reactions. The technique involves the implantation of spin-polarized muons into a sample, and the subsequent observation of the dephasing of this polarization. The most significant growth area in the use of muon spectroscopy is the investigation of dynamics. The data analysis for these diverse experiments is remarkably similar, but relies on an outdated methodology, founded in the 1960s. With the recent rise of computational-physics approaches to muon-data analysis, the opportunity now exists to develop a modern means of treating these data, free from the gross approximations inherent in the old methods and allowing a detailed insight into the underlying physics. Here we propose to develop and deploy a new paradigm in the analysis of dynamic muon measurements via an interdisciplinary PhD project. Our strategy is to couple muon-site computations with simulation of transport processes. Together, these will provide a realistic description of the time-dependent change in muon environment that will enable us to compute the dynamic effect on the muon-spin ensemble.
For more information about the condensed matter physics section at Durham University please see here.
Sponsor: EPSRC
Name of supervisor(s): Prof. Tom Lancaster
Eligibility Criteria: You must have or expect a First-Class honour bachelor's degree, or at least a 2:1 Integrated master’s degree or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university (or equivalent).
Applications are open to Home, international and EU candidates.
If English is not your first language, you must have IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6 in all sub-skills) or equivalent evidence of English language proficiency.
How to apply: You must apply through the University’s admission system: How to Apply - Durham University. One application can be used for multiple projects.
You will need to:
- Provide the project title and supervisor’s name under the ‘Programme Related Information’ section.
- Provide details of any funding you have secured or intend to apply for under ‘Additional Information – Funding Information’. This may include CSC, DDS, STFC or EPSRC funding. Please select ‘Other Funding’ and enter the details in the text box provided. You can also include this information under ‘Programme Related Information’.
- Upload your CV under the ‘Experience’ section by selecting ‘Yes’ and uploading the document.
- Upload a personal statement/cover letter under the ‘Personal Statement’ section.
- Provide a short research proposal of a few paragraphs, no longer than one page, outlining your research interests under the ‘Research Proposal’ section.
- Upload your degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, evidence of your English language qualifications.
- Provide details for two academic referees, including their email addresses, so that we can contact them directly. Please ensure you consent to the University contacting your referees when completing your application.
Contact: For informal enquiries please contact [contact details available in the full listing] (general) or [contact details available in the full listing] (project specific).
Funding Notes
This EPSRC studentship will be awarded on a competitive basis between projects. Besides these EPSRC studentships, interested candidates may also consider external sources of funding which they may be eligible for.
October 2027 (3.5 Years)
