High Sensitivity Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) PhD Studentship University College London in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD studentship at University College London (UCL) offers an exciting opportunity to advance the field of high sensitivity electron spin resonance (ESR). ESR is a powerful technique for studying spins in a wide range of systems, from proteins and enzymes to condensed matter and material interfaces. Leveraging recent breakthroughs in quantum technologies—such as quantum-limited microwave amplifiers, superconducting micro-resonators, single microwave photon detectors, and quantum squeezing—this project aims to push the sensitivity of magnetic resonance to the single spin limit.

As a PhD student, you will design, fabricate, and test superconducting resonator and circuit designs tailored for high-sensitivity ESR. You will also perform coherent control techniques using pulsed ESR to investigate the dynamics of small numbers of spins in promising materials for quantum sensing, and potentially discover new quantum sensing candidates. The research will explore uncharted territory, focusing on spins at material interfaces and near surfaces, with applications in quantum sensing.

The project is supervised by Professor John JL Morton, a leading expert in quantum technologies and ESR, based at the London Centre for Nanotechnology and the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering at UCL. The department is renowned for its pioneering research and was ranked as the leading EEE department in the UK for research outputs in the 2014 REF.

This studentship is open to both Home and International students (including EU) and covers full tuition fees and a stipend for 3.5 years. Applicants should have a strong background in physical sciences or engineering, with preferred experience in magnetic resonance, RF or microwave systems, 2D materials, or quantum technologies and quantum control. Creativity and technical ambition are highly valued. Candidates must meet the entry requirements for the UCL PhD programme in Electronic and Electrical Engineering.

Applications are accepted year-round until a suitable candidate is found. To apply, use the UCL online application system and mark your application for the attention of Prof John Morton. Include a brief summary of your research interests (max 200 words) and describe how your background fits the project. Informal inquiries can be directed to Prof Morton at [email protected].

UCL is a world-leading multidisciplinary university located in the heart of London, with a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. The Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering has a rich history and continues to be at the forefront of research and innovation.