One fully-funded 4-year PhD position is available, jointly hosted by the School of Physics and the CRANN Institute at Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), for an EU/UK citizen to start in September 2020. Recruitment process is expected to close by mid April.

Funding is provided by the Science Foundation of Ireland (SFI) through Starting Investigator Research Grant awarded to Dr. Maria Stamenova for the ATMOST project.

The PhD training will benefit from the proximity, daily interactions and close collaboration with the Computational Spintronics Group, headed by Prof. Stefano Sanvito. The ATMOST project is also strongly connected with the experimental activity at the CRANN Institute and the AMBER Research Centre. Further collaborations with the NPL, the University of York and the QUB, including training visits for the PhD student, are also explicitly included in the research plan.

The ATMOST project: Atomistic theory and simulations for THz spintronic devices

The THz range of the electromagnetic spectrum (high-frequency microwaves) is the domain of important chemical and biological processes. Importantly, the THz range is expected to host the short-range, high-bandwidth telecommunications of the future. ATMOST will seek to develop a state-of-the-art multi-scale theory protocol for modelling and optimising THz spintronic oscillators based on magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) incorporating novel antiferromagnetic (AFM) or low-moment ferrimagnetic (FiM) materials.

We will combine ab initio electronic structure theory (at the level of DFT) for evaluating atomically-resolved material parameters and for modelling the spin transport in the MTJs (calculating current-induced spin-transfer/orbit torques (STT/SOT) from the NEGF method), and time-domain spin dynamics simulations at the level of the classical atomistic spin dynamics (ASD) scheme (akin to the micro-magnetic simulations but with atomistic discretisation). Typically exploited for manipulating magnetic order (e.g. in the context of STT-MRAM), the STT/SOT can also be tuned to excite and sustain magnetisation precession or oscillations accompanied by electromagnetic radiation, which for AFM/FiM oscillators can be in the THz range. Our aim is to realise a broad multi-scale simulation technique for current-induced spin-dynamics in novel MTJs to guide their design and optimisation for spintronic applications, with emphasis on emerging THz oscillator technologies. In this effort we envisage collaborations with leading groups at the different levels of theory/simulation involved, as well as close collaboration with the our colleagues in the experimental Magnetism and Spin-electronics group in Trinity who are currently actively researching novel THz spintronic oscillators and leading the FET-Open TRANSPIRE consortium.

Eligibility and admission

The School of Physics runs graduate programmes for PhD and MSc degrees by research only, with two admission periods, October to September and April to March. More details and all the relevant deadlines can be found on the Trinity College Dublin Graduate Studies web page for prospective students and additional information for this position is available on the School of Physics web page.

The minimum entry to the School of Physics (TCD) postgraduate program is a 2.1 honours degree from an Irish university or equivalent. The student should be fluent in the English language (certificate required for international students).

Because of restrictions of the budget dedicated to tuition fees, this position is open only to EU/UK citizens. 

Benefits

Tuition fees for the 4-year PhD programme will be completely covered for an EU/UK citizen and a PhD scholarship (maximal) exempt from taxation will be paid monthly for the duration of the PhD. Free medical care is accessible at the Trinity College Health Centre for all postgraduate students.

Essential/Desirable Criteria

Strong overall motivation, a demonstrated interest in condensed matter theory and computation and a Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in Physics. Ability to work independently and also function as an active and efficient team member. Good writing and communication skills. Previous experience in UNIX/Linux environment, programming skills in Fortran/C/C++ and basic knowledge of density functional theory and quantum transport methods will be considered as an advantage.

How to apply?

Applications are expected to include a motivation letter, together with a CV, recent academic transcript (if not yet graduated) and the name & contact details of at least two referees (e-mail addresses).

For informal queries and to apply email Dr. M. Stamenova (Trinity College Dublin): [email protected]

The position will be open until filled.

Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to the employment policies, procedures and practices which do not discriminate on grounds such as gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, religious belief, sexual orientation or membership of the travelling community.