Funded PhD Opportunity · Fall 2026
Join DOMAIN Lab at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to investigate thin-film topological-material heterostructures using neutron scattering, electrical transport, and NMR.
I recently received late-notice NSF funding to investigate heterostructures of topological materials using neutron scattering, transport measurements, and nuclear magnetic resonance. I am looking for a PhD student to join DOMAIN Lab in Fall 2026 and take primary ownership of this project.
This will be the student’s primary research direction, with substantial freedom to help shape the work. The student will also have opportunities to participate in other projects across the group and to work with collaborators at national user facilities.
The project focuses on surfaces and buried interfaces in topological-material heterostructures. The work will combine thin-film materials, neutron scattering, electrical transport, and NMR to study how functional electronic and magnetic behavior develops in engineered structures.
DOMAIN Lab is a vertically integrated experimental group working at the intersection of materials science and condensed-matter physics. We synthesize materials, measure functional properties, build instrumentation, and use advanced neutron and X-ray methods to investigate nanoscale structure and magnetism.
Students develop a broad experimental skill set spanning materials synthesis, magnetometry, electrical transport, thermography, scattering, spectroscopy, scientific computing, data analysis, and communication.
Former group members have moved into positions at Intel, Western Digital, Northrop Grumman, the Air Force Research Laboratory, ARCTOS, Lam Research, Trinity Consultants, and Y-12.
Candidate profile
The normal admissions window has passed, but I have been told that admission may still be arranged for Fall 2026 for the right candidate. Applicants must meet the University of Tennessee’s graduate admissions requirements, and we will need to determine that the student is a strong fit for both the project and the laboratory.
How to apply
Send a brief introductory email with the materials below. Informal inquiries are welcome, but complete materials will make it easier to evaluate fit quickly.