Leveraging Ferromagnetism in Superconducting Electronics

We are inviting applications for PhD scholarship in a project across the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute and School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. The project, led by Prof. Ben Ruck and Dr Simon Granville, focusses on the optimisation of rare-earth nitride materials for inclusion in cryogenic memory technology. The candidate will undertake fundamental materials science and device research to support the development of cryogenic memory devices. This encompasses experimental and computational studies of the electronic and magnetic properties of the rare-earth nitrides and the design, modelling and fabrication of memory structures and circuits.

Keywords:

thin films, spintronics, superconducting electronics, superconductor-magnetic devices, experimental condensed matter physics, device fabrication and simulation.

Project Overview:

Our research aims to….

• Investigate the fundamental properties of the rare-earth nitrides (RENs), a class of materials including many intrinsic magnetic semiconductors.
• Optimise the growth of the RENs towards technologically useful properties.
• Incorporate these materials in device designs for cryogenic electronics technologies.

Key Activities:

The successful candidate will…

1. Grow thin films of rare-earth nitrides and devices based on these materials.
2. Use a suite of experimental techniques (electrical transport, magnetometry, structural and optical characterizations) to assess the quality of the films and devices.
3. Understand the results by developing and applying physical models of these novel systems.
4. Use this understanding to drive further development of the materials and devices toward application.

Candidate Profile:

• Academic background in solid-state physics or possibly electrical engineering.
• Ideally, but not necessarily, experience in magnetic and superconducting materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and international teams.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities, along with strong teamwork and communication skills.

Scholarship Details:

• Full funding through the PhD program ($35,000 NZD/year stipend + tuition fees for three years).
• Access to a world-class research environment equipped with modern facilities.
• Opportunities for international collaborations, fostering professional growth and networking.

Application Process:

The requirements for the application can be found https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/fgr/apply/how. Before submitting a formal application, interested candidates are encouraged to send a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a brief statement of interest to Dr. Jackson Miller (Jackson.miller@vuw.ac.nz) for an initial discussion. Should potential candidates have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Jackson Miller.

Deadline:

Submit your applications by latest Jan 31^st 2025. The position is available immediately and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

PhD studies at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree offered by the University. It is based on original, independent research under the supervision of expert academic staff. At Victoria University of Wellington, a PhD is by research only and is expected to take three to four years. 

Eligibility

• A Masters degree or equivalent with a GPA of at least 6.0 on New Zealand’s nine-point scale. Special cases may be discussed upon request.
• An appropriate level of English proficiency, for example, a recent degree taught in English or an IELTS score of at least 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0. Conditional offer may be discussed upon request.

Why study for a PhD with us?

• Wellington has reasonable living expenses averaging NZ$ 1300 per month.
• PhD scholarships are available covering a stipend (approximately US$20,000) and tuition fees for three years.
• PhD students have unlimited work rights on a student visa.
• On completion of your PhD, you can apply for a post-study work visa to search for employment.
• Your partner can apply for an open work visa for the duration of your studies.
• Your dependent children can attend New Zealand’s state primary and secondary schools at the same subsidized rate as New Zealand children.