About the Project
Quantum and 2D materials provide a setting in which interactions between many particles can give rise to collective behaviour that has no simple counterpart at the level of individual electrons. Examples include magnetism, superconductivity, topological states, fractionalised excitations, and emergent gauge theories. Understanding how such phenomena emerge, interact with each other, and how they manifest themselves in measurable properties, is a central challenge in modern condensed-matter…
physics.
This project focuses on the theoretical physics of interacting quantum systems and quantum materials, with particular emphasis on low-dimensional systems. The central aim is to understand how many-body interactions, topology and collective behaviour determine their equilibrium and non-equilibrium properties.
Possible directions include strongly correlated and topological phases of matter; quantum magnetism and quantum spin liquids; fractionalised excitations and anyonic quasiparticles; unconventional superconductivity; interaction-driven phenomena in two-dimensional and moiré materials. A further theme concerns transport in interacting electron systems, including hydrodynamic electron flow and charge, spin, orbital, thermal and thermoelectric transport. Particular attention is given to the interplay between interactions, band geometry and topology, and to its experimentally observable consequences.
The precise research question will depend on the interests and background of the student and on developments occurring in the field.
The work is primarily analytical and semi-analytical. Students will use methods from quantum many-body theory and quantum field theory, including Green's functions, Feynman diagrams, path integrals, linear-response theory, quantum kinetic equations and non-equilibrium techniques. Numerical calculations may be used to complement and guide the analytical work.
Students will develop a strong theoretical foundation in modern condensed-matter and many-body physics while working on open questions closely connected to current experimental and theoretical research.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply:
To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships. If you don't already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Physics OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master's degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Physics. Previous research experience in quantum field theory and quantum mechanics is desirable.
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
FSE_SoNS
Funding Notes
Funding covers tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year), and a research training support grant of up to £2,500 per year for the full 3.5-year programme.