Machine learning assisted optimization techniques for fitting

excitonic spin-orbit models to big data

Candidate students with AI, computer science or applied mathematics

backgrounds are especially welcomed

Target qualification: PhD

Location: Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Funding for: UK students, EU students, or International students
Funding amount: Full tuition fee waiver for 4 years plus an annual stipend of £18,622
Mode of study: Full Time
Anticipated starting time: 1st October 2024 or earlier (negotiable)

Application accepted from: 15th December 2023 (applications will be reviewed as they are
received until the post is filled)

Overview

This PhD project is to develop and use machine learning-assisted global optimization techniques to
find ways of performing high-quality fits of large neutron scattering datasets to excitonic models of
quantum magnets. The research focus is machine learning algorithms, optimization algorithms and
the hybrid of them for the targeted real-world scientific application. The application area involves a
key topic in modern condensed matter physics, the search for and utilization of a quantum spin
liquid. The insights gained into such materials are informing new approaches to making quantum
computers that are more fault tolerant.

As well as the computational work, the student will be involved with conducting the neutron
scattering experiments at central facilities in the UK, Europe, and North America.

Suitable candidates are those with a solid computer science, mathematics, or computational physics
background, and hopes to carry out in-depth research in this area. Although a science background is
not required, the student must have a strong interest in scientific research and aspirations to apply
the former to the latter.

Qualifications and requirements

• A degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, or related fields, with a 1st
class or at least upper-second class honors or equivalent.
• An excellent knowledge and skills with computing and experience with programming
language(s) such as Matlab, Python, C++, etc.
• Competence in machine learning and/or optimization.
• An interest in current topics in magnetism and quantum materials.
• A willingness to travel overseas to conduct experiments at central facilities.

Research environment
The student will mainly work in University of Edinburgh (QS ranking 15th) and University of Glasgow
(QS ranking 76th) for the first two years. The two universities are near to each other. The third year
will be based at ISIS Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source in Oxfordshire, which is a world leading centre
for research at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

For further information please contact Chris Stock (cstock@ed.ac.uk), Bo Liu (bo.liu@glasgow.ac.uk)
or Russell Ewings (russell.ewings@stfc.ac.uk)