Applications are open for a PhD studentship in Condensed Matter Theory with the focus of correlated materials in the group of Jan Tomczak at King’s College London [ https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/jan-tomczak ]. The position is fully funded for up to 3.5 years for UK home students only and will commence in October 2023.

We are looking for candidates with knowledge in many-body techniques (in particular Green’s functions) and/or topological phases of matter, interest in material science, and, preferably, with solid computer programming skills.

Possible directions for the PhD project include exploring the interface of many-body physics and topology, with regards, e.g., to anomalous transport properties (such as the anomalous Hall conductivity).

Topological phases of matter, e.g., topological insulators, are typically well described by band theory, i.e., using effectively non-interacting fermions. However, some of the most fascinating effects in condensed matter physics occur due to electron-electron interactions/correlations. The understanding of the interplay of both—correlations and topology—is still in its infancy and may yet hold a few surprises as well as prospects for future electronic devices. We will be developing new methodologies to account for various effects of correlations and topology, apply them to model systems to distill prototypical behaviours, before tackling realistic materials.

Key techniques that could come to play are linear response, Matsubara Green’s functions, dynamical mean-field theory, tight-binding Hamiltonians and/or density functional theory.

The successful candidate will join the Theory and Simulations of Condensed Matter Group at King’s [ https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/theory-simulation-of-condensed-matter ], which has a broad range of interests in many-body theory, quantum-field theory, ab initio electronic structure approaches, transport simulations, dynamical mean-field theory, and quantum chemistry approaches.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Jan Tomczak ([email protected]) with a CV, cover letter and transcripts as soon as possible for more information and details on how to apply.

Group website: https://sites.google.com/view/tomczak-group

Start date: October 2023, applications are considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

To be considered for the position candidates must apply via King’s Apply online application system. For more details and application process, please see:

https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/simulations-for-correlated-materials/?p151339

Please indicate your desired supervisor and quote research group “Jan Tomczak” in your application and all correspondence.

Funding Notes
This position is fully funded for 3.5 years by the Faculty for Natural, Mathematical, and Engineering Sciences at King’s. Funding covers:
• A tax-free stipend of no less than £19,668.
• UK home student tuition fees
• A “Research Training Support Grant” to cover research expenses.
Exceptional international students may be eligible to apply for a competitive fee waiver for the difference between UK-level and international-level tuition fees. This option will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.