PhD, MSc, & Postdoctoral Opportunities

Positions open for applications

Below are details of the fixed term Research Fellowship positions open in our group.

Single Crystal Growth at Warwick - Research Fellow (111664-0526)

Position Type Fixed Term

Duration Fixed term contract until 30th June 2028

Salary £35,608 to £46,049 per annum

Informal Queries Please contact Professor Geetha Balakrishnan at G.Balakrishnan@warwick.ac.uk if you have any questions about this role. However, please make sure that you apply via the Warwick University HR pagesLink opens in a new window. Please DO NOT send applications directly to Geetha or other members of the Superconductivity and Magnetism Group - thank you. We look forward to reading your application.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Superconductivity and Magnetism Group within the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick.

We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to work on a range of projects as part of an EPSRC Funded project entitled “Single Crystal Growth at Warwick”. The work focuses on the production of high-quality crystals of oxides, borides, chalcogenides and intermetallic materials. These include superconductors, various low dimensional materials, frustrated magnets, skyrmion and topological materials. The crystals will be grown using various techniques such as the floating zone method using optical mirror furnaces, the Czochralski method using a tetra-arc furnace, the Bridgman, flux growth and the chemical vapour transport techniques. Other techniques will also be used as required.

In addition to crystal growth, the work will also involve the characterisation of the crystals produced, through measurements of their structural, magnetic, and transport properties. Extensive laboratory based powder and single crystal x-ray diffraction work will be required. There will be scope for taking part in experiments at international facilities using neutron and x-ray scattering, as well as muon techniques.

About You

You should be trained in experimental solid-state synthesis, the preparation of intermetallic, and have experience of crystal growth techniques and low-temperature experimental methods.

You will be an excellent communicator, capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a lively research team. You will possess excellent planning and time management skills to ensure your research objectives are achieved effectively.

If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure.

For further information, please see the person specification section of the attached job description.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

About the Department

Superconductivity and Magnetism Group

The project takes place in the context of an exciting wider programme of materials investigation currently underway within the Superconductivity and Magnetism Group. The group studies highly correlated electron systems including magnetic and exotic superconductors, intermetallic heavy fermions, topological materials, frustrated magnets and 2D materials grown as single crystals using a range of techniques. We make extensive use of neutron, synchrotron and muon sources worldwide, high magnetic field facilities, as well as in-house magnetometry, transport and related measurements. The candidate will work with all the members of the group and benefit from association with other ongoing projects. The group has an international reputation for its continued excellence in the long running EPSRC funded programme on “Single Crystal Growth at Warwick”.

For further information about the Superconductivity and Magnetism Group, please visit the other pages of our website:

https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/physics/research/condensedmatt/supermag/

Department of Physics

The post will be based in the Department of Physics, a vibrant academic department with over 200 academic, research, technical and professional services staff, over 800 undergraduate students and 200 postgraduate research students.

We are proud of our diverse community of staff, students, and visitors, and are committed to maintaining excellence in both teaching and research by promoting equality of opportunity for all, within a culture of mutual respect and dignity.

We are pleased to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality for all staff and students. We also hold an Institute of Physics Inclusion Award in support of our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Further information about working in the Department of Physics and the benefits available can be found at www.warwick.ac.uk/physics/staff/working/.

The University supports flexible working and requests for part-time working or job-share will be considered where possible

Childcare for interviews

Childcare can be provided for you at the University of Warwick Nursery (www.warwick.ac.uk/services/childrensservices/nursery) in order for you to attend the interview. Childcare is subject to availability of places at the Nursery.

About the University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us atwarwick.ac.uk/about/.

*World University Ranking 2026,Complete University Guide 2026

**Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Wednesday 17June 2026 at 11:55 pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline.

You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Within these documents, please:

1.Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment).

2.Outline the reasons for your interest in this position.

3.Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

Interview Date: July 2026
Start Date: As soon as possible.

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal will be considered.

You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave).

Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

What we Offer

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

An attractive pension scheme.
30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
Onsite childcare facilities.
Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see hereLink opens in a new window.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employerLink opens in a new window.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at WarwickLink opens in a new window.

Find out more about our awards and accreditationsLink opens in a new window.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University AllianceLink opens in a new window.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description

JD - Research Fellow _(111664)_.pdf – 133KBLink opens in a new window

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.

Research Fellowships

If you would like to apply for a fellowship hosted here at Warwick, please contact one of the permanent members of academic staff.

PhD Projects

Every year at least one studentship is available for a suitably qualified applicant to join our Group. Early applications for places are strongly encouraged. Details of the projects currently available are given below. For more details of the kind of work carried out by the students in our Group please refer to the PhD current research projects page.

PhD Project Titles - (Note, any funding is only likely to be available for UK nationals)

New frontiers in quantum materials - Supervisor: Paul Goddard

Are you interested in being at the forefront of understanding new electronic and
magnetic properties?

High magnetic fields have long been used to characterise the behaviour of spins and electrons in magnets, metals, semiconductors and superconductors. However, in recent years new materials have emerged that challenge our existing understanding of magnetic and electronic behaviour. New theoretical models are required to explain the properties displayed by these so-called quantum materials, which are typically host to complex networks of many- body interactions between spins and electrons, and are exquisitely sensitive to aspects such as dimensionality, fluctuations and topology. In this project we will collect experimental data that will be used to develop and test evolving theories of novel electronic and magnetic properties. Promising avenues include:

(a) Crystal structure showing layers of Fe₃GeTe₂ coupled by weak vdW bonds [2]. (c) Quantum oscillations observed in CeOs₄Sb₁₂ [3]. (c) Angle-dependent magnetoresistance measurements of a high-temperature superconductor performed at 45 T and 20 K [4].

A new route to quantum spin liquids.

Topological behaviour arises in many areas of research, from quantum-Hall physics to band structure, defects in crystalline lattices, and magnetism, and impacts many areas of technological relevance (e.g., spintronics, data storage and quantum technologies in general). While spin liquids arising from frustrated magnetism have shown to be been fertile ground for exploring topological effects, so far they emerge only within narrow regions of physical phase diagrams, limiting their robustness and practical applicability. It was recently shown that similar behaviour should be found in materials in which the hopping of itinerant electrons is frustrated [4]. This paves the way for a completely new route for the experimental realisation of quantum spin liquids based on kinetic rather than geometric frustration of interactions – a route that requires further theoretical and, importantly, experimental investigation. Measuring magnetic and electronic properties in candidate materials will be invaluable in understanding these new states.

Anomalous quantum oscillations.

Oscillations in the physical properties of materials subject to a changing magnetic field are known to be a hallmark of metallic materials. Recently, however,
these quantum oscillations have been observed in a number of apparently insulating materials. A
host of theories have emerged to account for these results, but no clear picture has so far emerged
likely due to to a lack of systematic, high-quality experimental data. We will investigate a number
of different materials to attempt to resolve this fast-developing mystery.

By exploring these new avenues, we hope to push our understanding beyond the current limits and open a route for exploiting the untapped potential of new quantum materials to underpin future technology. High magnetic fields will be accessed using in-house apparatus and by travelling to facilities that provide the world’s highest available fields, such as the European Magnetic Field Laboratory and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in the US.

Prof Goddard joined Warwick University in 2013 and is expert in the use of high magnetic fields to elucidate the properties of new materials of fundamental and technological significance. In 2023, he was awarded the Pippard Prize by the Superconductivity Group of the Institute of Physics for his developmental work on the technique of angle-dependent magnetoresistance.

[1] C. Glittum et al., Nature Physics 21, 1211 (2025);

[2] S. Vaidya et al., Phys. Rev. Research 6, L032008 (2024);

[3] K. Gotze et al., Phys. Rev. B 101, 075102 (2020);

[4] G. Grissonnanche, et al., Nature 595, 667 (2021).

For further information about the project do not hesitate to contact Prof Goddard directly at:

PROJECT NOW FILLED - Dimensional band engineering of artificial magnets - Supervisor(s): Geetha Balakrishnan (Warwick), Oliver Clark (DLS) & Deepnarayan Biswas (DLS)

‘2D’ materials like graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) possess a rich array of electronic properties, from superconductivity to non-trivial band topology. Their ‘2D’ nature originates from their weak bonding along the c-axis, which allows for the isolation of large-area monolayer sheets. Dissimilar monolayers can then be recombined to create artificial heterostructures with rare electronic properties desirable for next-generation applications. Very recently, a new method of heterostructure engineering was identified that allows one to simply create new hybrid materials in the three-dimensional limit, which exhibit electronic band dispersions in k_z, as well as k_x and k_y.

A 3.5-year PhD studentship is available starting from October 2026 to use these new methods to engineer artificial magnetic heterostructures. This is a joint studentship between the University of Warwick and Diamond Light Source (DLS), the UK’s national synchrotron facility based in Oxfordshire. In the first part of the project, under the supervision of Prof. Geetha Balakrishnan at the University of Warwick, layered single crystals with magnetic properties will be grown and characterized in the state-of-art laboratories at Warwick. The second part will be based at the i05 and i09 beamlines of DLS, where these layered magnets will be thinned down and incorporated into simple two-component heterostructures alongside other layered materials.

This approach could drive the overlap of exotic materials properties that do not normally coexist. For example, the combination of a layered 2D magnet like CrGeTe₃and a topological metal like NiTe₂could produce a topological magnet exhibiting anomalous quantum Hall effects. The electronic and magnetic properties of both the raw single crystal materials and the artificial heterostructures will be characterised using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) at DLS and occasionally at other international synchrotron facilities in the EU and USA.

This is an open-ended, ambitious project but with well-defined milestones and outcomes, suited for a strong and enthusiastic student.

Further reading: arXiv:2503.17947, arXiv:2509.14937

For further information about the project do not hesitate to contact Geetha Balakrishnan directly at:

PROJECT NOW FILLED - Topological magnetism in single crystal quantum materials - Supervisor: Daniel Mayoh

Magnetic phenomena in materials are among the earliest scientific discoveries and remain some of the most technologically significant. Despite this, the understanding of topological magnetism is relatively recent and continues to evolve rapidly, with key discoveries in physics, materials, and potential applications. Topological magnetic systems exhibit a range of promising properties and excitations [1–3]. Various topological objects—such as domain walls and, more recently, skyrmions—are already known in magnetic materials. Moreover, other exotic structures, including hopfions, blochions, and merons, have also been stabilised. The discovery of these topological spin textures and their potential as high-density, low-energy components for magnetic storage and computational technologies has established topological magnetism as a major focus of condensed matter research.

Real-space schematics of the incommensurate spin textures investigated in this study, illustrating variations in the propagation direction (q), net electric polarisation (ΣP), and their relative orientation to the applied magnetic field [4].

In this PhD studentship, the student will synthesise crystals of novel bulk topological magnetic systems using a range of methods. Detailed investigations of the materials’ structural and magnetic properties will be conducted in-house. Additionally, X-rays, neutrons, and muons at international facilities will be employed to explore the topological properties of these novel magnetic systems.

This is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field, providing an excellent opportunity for a motivated and capable student to engage in cutting-edge research.This project will draw upon the University of Warwick’s expertise in single-crystal growth and characterisation within the Superconductivity and Magnetism Group. It will offer the student comprehensive training in magnetism and, more broadly, in condensed matter physics.

1] M. T. Littlehales et al., Phys. Rev. Res. 6, L032015 (2024)

[2] G. D. A. Wood et al., Phys. Rev. B 107, L180402 (2023)

[3] M. T. Birch et al., Nature Comms. 13, 3630 (2022).

[4] S. H. Moody et al. Nature Comms. 16 5269 (2025).

For further information or to discuss this project, please contact:

Making an Application - How to Apply

Click here for more details of the formal application procedures, the relevant application forms and a postgraduate prospectus. N.B. This information is mounted on the Physics Department web pages outside this Superconductivity and Magnetism site.

MSc Research Projects

We always have places available for suitably qualified self-funded students who would like to work towards an MSc. For more details of the kind of work carried out by the students in our Group please refer to the current postgraduate research projects page.

MSc Project Titles

We do not have any MSc projects currently available. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor they are interested in working with in the first instance.

Making an Application - How to Apply

Click here for more details of the formal application procedures, the relevant application forms and a postgraduate prospectus. Note, this information is mounted on the Physics Department web pages outside this Superconductivity and Magnetism site.

Technical Posts

At the moment the Superconductivity and Magnetism Group has no vacancies for Technical Staff.

Useful Links

You may like to view the Warwick University Human Resources OfficeLink opens in a new window web page with a listing of all the jobs that are currently available here at the University.

Current vacancies at universities throughout the U.K. are listed on the jobs.ac.ukLink opens in a new window web site.

PhD projects

Click here to see a more details of the PhD projects available here in the Physics Department at Warwick.

International PhD Funding Opportunities

Warwick offers a number of competitive scholarships for international postgraduate students. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor they are interested in working with in the first instance.

Click here for more detailsLink opens in a new window

Physics Superconductivity and Magnetism

PhD, MSc, & Postdoctoral Opportunities

Positions open for applications

About the Role

About You

About the Department

About the University

How to Apply

What we Offer

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Job Description

Right to Work in the UK

Research Fellowships

PhD Projects

PhD Project Titles - (Note, any funding is only likely to be available for UK nationals)

Are you interested in being at the forefront of understanding new electronic and
magnetic properties?

A new route to quantum spin liquids.

Anomalous quantum oscillations.

Making an Application - How to Apply

MSc Research Projects

MSc Project Titles

Making an Application - How to Apply

Technical Posts

Useful Links

PhD projects

International PhD Funding Opportunities

Other external funding opportunities for postdoctoral staff