PhD Studentship - Spin-lattice Dynamics in Advanced Magnetic Materials

The University of Manchester - Computer Science

Qualification Type:PhD Location:Manchester Funding for:UK Students Funding amount:£20,780 - please see advert Hours:Full Time Placed On:28th January 2026 Closes:16th March 2026 Research theme: Computational magnetism

How to apply: uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

UK only

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded and home students, and EU students with settled status, are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is July 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Advanced magnetic materials provide a versatile platform for exploring emergent spin phenomena and developing next-generation technologies. In this PhD project, you will employ atomistic spin-lattice dynamics simulations, a framework that combines atomistic spin dynamics with molecular dynamics to investigate angular momentum transfer, energy dissipation and heating arising from the coupling between spins (magnons) and the lattice (phonons).

The spin-lattice dynamics framework is essential for interpreting and guiding recent experiments in THz phononic switching, aimed to provide low-dissipation devices or phenomena based on the ultrafast Einstein de Haas effect. The project also aims to investigate regimes in which magnetisation switching is accompanied by significant energy dissipation, relevant to applications such as magnetic hyperthermia.

The simulations will be performed using the open-source software package VAMPIRE (vampire.york.ac.uk). The successful candidate will benefit from strong national and international collaborations throughout the project and will develop skills in high-performance and scientific computing.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline and a strong interest in computational modelling and programming.

To apply, please contact the main supervisor, Dr. Mara Strungaru - mara.strungaru@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.