Non-equilibrium behaviour in interacting quantum matter

Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements

Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

Application deadline: 29 March

Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Start date: September 2026

For further details contact: Dr Sascha Wald

Introduction

Collective behaviour in many-body systems is a central theme across physics, from classical nonequilibrium systems to strongly correlated quantum matter. In classical settings, systems composed of energy-consuming agents can exhibit striking emergent phenomena such as flocking, swarming, and spontaneous phase separation. These ideas have been particularly influential in the study of active and driven classical matter.

In quantum physics, interacting systems can form collective phases whose properties are intrinsically quantum and cannot be explained by classical theories. Recent advances in the control of open quantum systems—such as engineered dissipation, periodic driving, and measurement-based feedback—now allow energy to be supplied and manipulated at the level of individual quantum degrees of freedom. This opens new opportunities to explore whether concepts familiar from classical active and driven matter can be meaningfully extended to quantum systems. Building on recent proof-of-principle work by the Principal Investigator, this project will investigate nonequilibrium collective dynamics in driven quantum systems with genuinely quantum features.

Project details

The PhD student will carry out theoretical and computational research on interacting quantum systems driven far from equilibrium. Possible research directions include:

- Modelling driven and dissipative quantum dynamics using master equations and discrete-time evolution.
- Exploring collective transport, coordination, and pattern formation, drawing conceptual links to classical active and driven matter.
- Analysing nonequilibrium steady states, correlations, and fluctuations in open quantum many-body systems.
- Identifying how coherence, dissipation, and measurement affect emergent collective behaviour.

The project is primarily theoretical, with close connections to experimentally relevant platforms such as cold atoms, photonic systems, and superconducting quantum devices. The student will be based at the Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems and be part of the Statistical Physics Group.

Funding

Tuition fees and bursary

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral and Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry requirements

A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.

PLUS

The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component).

Additional Requirements

Applicants should hold a good undergraduate or master’s degree in physics, applied mathematics, or a related discipline. Relevant background may include:
- Quantum mechanics and quantum many-body physics
- Statistical or nonequilibrium physics
- Familiarity with concepts from classical active or driven systems (desirable but not required)
- Analytical and/or numerical modelling skills
- Programming experience (e.g. Python, Julia, MATLAB, C++)

The ideal candidate will be motivated, mathematically inclined, and interested in fundamental questions at the interface of nonequilibrium and quantum physics.