University of Southampton
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PhD in Nuclear-Spin Control of Translation and Rotation in Levitated Optomechanics University of Southampton in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Mechanical Engineering
Funding
Competition funded PhD project. Fees and funding details are available via the project page; the post indicates the project is funded but does not specify stipend amount or exact coverage in the text provided.
Deadline
Jan 8, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Southampton
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About this position
University of Southampton is advertising a PhD project in nuclear-spin control of translation and rotation in levitated optomechanics. This is a theory-led project in the School of Physics and Astronomy, with close interaction with experimental researchers working on levitated optomechanics and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
The project explores how nuclear spins can coherently control the centre-of-mass motion and rotation of a levitated nanoparticle. Research topics include spin–motion coupling, magnetic-field gradients, radio-frequency pulse sequences, resonant driving, spin relaxation, mechanical damping, thermal noise, and optical readout. For rotational dynamics, the project also considers the Einstein–de Haas and Barnett effects, nuclear-spin anisotropy, and quadrupolar interactions.
This opportunity is especially relevant for students interested in physics, quantum sensing, quantum metrology, quantum information processing, levitated optomechanics, and magnetic resonance methods. The work aims to identify practical regimes where spin states can prepare, control, or read out mechanical motion, and to assess longer-term possibilities such as spatial quantum superpositions of massive objects and nuclear-spin-based quantum technologies.
Funding: The project is marked competition funded. The page does not specify the stipend amount in the provided text, so applicants should check the full funding section.
Eligibility: A 2:1 honours degree is required. The page does not list additional requirements in the excerpt shown.
Deadline: 8 January 2027.
Institution: University of Southampton, United Kingdom.
Funding details
Competition funded PhD project. Fees and funding details are available via the project page; the post indicates the project is funded but does not specify stipend amount or exact coverage in the text provided.
What's required
Applicants should have a 2:1 honours degree. The project is theory-focused and suited to candidates interested in quantum and classical dynamics, numerical modelling, magnetic-resonance methods, levitated optomechanics, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Experience with related physics or modelling topics would be beneficial.
How to apply
Review the project details and full entry requirements on the University of Southampton page. Use the project application route on the university site to submit your PhD application before the closing date. Contact the university if you need clarification on eligibility or funding.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.