Suzie Sheehy

A PhD opportunity is available in the Accelerator Physics Group at the University of Melbourne, starting in early 2027. The project focuses on beam dynamics for next-generation particle accelerators using novel superconducting Canted Cosine Theta (CCT) magnets. The research sits within the School of Physics and involves a new collaboration between the University of Melbourne, the Australian Synchrotron (ANSTO), and the University of Manchester. The project addresses a key challenge in future accelerator design: understanding how beams behave in magnets with higher fields, tighter curvature, and flexible multipolar content. Students will work on theory, simulation, and experiment. Planned work includes design and optimisation of CCT magnets with complex geometries, simulation of particle beam behaviour, development of theoretical approaches for nonlinear beam dynamics, and investigation of applications to the Future Circular Collider and/or particle therapy facilities. Experimental validation will be carried out using the Melbourne Pelletron Accelerator Lab. There are also opportunities for international travel to conferences, workshops, collaboration meetings, and experiments. The position is well suited to a highly motivated student with a master’s degree in physics or a related discipline. Experience with coding, experimental or theoretical work is desirable, and prior interest in accelerator physics is welcomed. The project is particularly relevant to students interested in applied physics, accelerator technology, beam optics, superconducting magnet design, and advanced particle accelerator concepts. Applications should be sent by email with a short CV and grade transcript to A/Prof Suzie Sheehy and Dr. Adam Steinberg. The application deadline is 21 September 2026. The position is based in Melbourne, Australia.