Combinatorics and representation theory in gauge-string duality
Research Group: Centre for Research in String Theory
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 3.5 years
Full-time Project: yes
Funding
Funding is provided via the Scientific Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
- Available to Home and exceptional overseas applicants only.
- Applicant required to start in September 2026.
- The studentship arrangement will cover home tuition fees for the duration of the studentship.
Project Description
Symmetric groups and their group algebras, along with concepts in representation theory including Schur-Weyl duality, have been applied to the study of half-BPS states in N=4 SYM theory, in particular to clarify the holographic map of the AdS/CFT correspondence. These algebraic techniques have also been used in characterizing less supersymmetric states (e.g. quarter and eighth BPS states) and in problems of counting and correlators for random tensor models. Some recent directions are:
- The development of permutation invariant matrix models, exploiting links to partition algebras;
- Group theoretic computational algorithms based on combinatoric topological string amplitudes. The PhD project would be based on this background and would be developed in discussions between Dr Ramgoolam and the student.
Application Method:
To apply for this studentship and for entry onto the Physics programme (Full Time), please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spcs/phdresearch/application-process/#apply
Deadline for application - 28th of January 2026
Supervisor Contact Details:
For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Sanjaye Ramgoolam
Email: s.ramgoolam@qmul.ac.uk
Requirements
BSc in Physics + Masters level training in theoretical physics.
SPCS Academics: Sanjaye Ramgoolam