The University of Kent is delighted to offer fully funded EPSRC studentships starting in September 2022. The studentships cover home tuition fees and an annual maintenance grant (£15,609 for 2021/22).
Applications are invited from students holding or expecting to obtain an upper second class, or first class, degree in Physics or a relevant subject. Before writing an application, potential candidates are strongly advised to contact a Kent academic working in one of the three research areas outlined below at least two weeks before the deadline.
1. Applied Optics
We offer a range of projects in the areas of applied and biomedical optics suitable for a PhD in Physics. Our Applied Optics research Group develop imaging and sensing technologies for a range of applications. Our work spans the development of lasers up to full system development and applications-focused research. We mostly work on experimental optics, but projects can also be designed with a strong computing or modelling component. Many projects will involve external collaborators, and some can be co-supervised with clinicians from London and local National Health Service Trusts.
More information: https://research.kent.ac.uk/applied-optics/join/phd-projects/
Contact: Prof. Adrian Podoleanu (A.G.H.Podoleanu@kent.ac.uk)
2. Physics of Quantum Materials
We carry out theoretical and experimental research in Condensed Matter Physics with a strong focus on Quantum Materials. We aim specifically to discover and understand novel properties that could find application in future quantum computing technologies through close collaboration between theory and experiment. Our research targets a number of areas in the Physics of Quantum Materials where we can leverage our world-leading expertise including unconventional superconductors, topological matter, quantum phase transitions, relativistic quantum effects, low-dimensional quantum systems, strongly correlated electrons and novel forms of quantum coherence.
More information: https://research.kent.ac.uk/pqm/2021/12/22/5151/
Contact: Dr. Jorge Quintanilla (J.Quintanilla@kent.ac.uk)
3. Materials for Challenges in Energy and Environment
The Materials for Energy and Electronics (MEE) group is active in materials physics research aimed at finding solutions for future energy needs, such as in battery, fuel cell, and nuclear power plant technology. They have strong expertise in techniques for probing the atomic and electronic structure of materials, such as x-ray absorption spectroscopy and molecular dynamics modelling.
More information: https://www.kent.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/people/363/mountjoy-gavin
Contact: Dr. Gavin Mountjoy (g.mountjoy@kent.ac.uk)
Further information can be found on our scholarship page (follow the Physical Sciences link) and on the EPSRC page here.
Scholarship value
These scholarships include a doctoral stipend (equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend, £15,609 2020/21 rate (2022/23 rate to be announced), tuition fees at the home rate and access to further research funding.
Deadline
Apply for a PhD place at Kent by Sunday 13 March 2022, 23:59 GMT
Criteria
Open to Home and Overseas (including EU) students. To be classed as a Home student, candidates must meet the RCUK residency criteria, see appendix B.
If you are applying as an overseas student (this includes EU nationals), Kent will waive the difference between the Home and Oversea fees.
Successful candidates will demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding research potential.
Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, and ideally a Master’s degree or equivalent.
How to apply
When applying, students should contact a researcher in their area of interest and then follow the University of Kent’s online application process. As part of the process, students should include the following:
· explain reasons for study/outline research proposal
· provide details/evidence of qualifications
· provide two academic references
· provide other personal information and supporting documentation.