James Analytis

James Analytis is a Professor of Physics at the University of California, Berkeley, and a staff scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. His research focuses on the discovery and characterization of exotic quantum materials with applications in superconductivity, frustrated magnetism, and topological spintronics. He joined UC Berkeley in 2013 as the Charles Kittel Chair in condensed matter physics and served as Department Chair from 2020 to 2023, leading initiatives in education, graduate admissions, and faculty hiring during the SARS-COVID-19 pandemic.

• D.Phil. in Physics, University of Oxford (Rhodes Scholar)
• B.Sc. in Physics, University of Canterbury, New Zealand (1st Class)

His research explores the universal behavior of quantum critical systems, the role of topology in material interactions, and methods to stabilize quantum phenomena under ambient conditions. He emphasizes material synthesis as a tool to address foundational questions in condensed matter physics.

Recent publications highlight studies on CeSb (quantum magnetism), BaFe2(As1−xPx)2 (iron-based superconductors), β-Li2IrO3 (Kitaev materials), and Cd3As2 (Dirac semimetals). These works span experimental techniques like magnetoresistance scaling, Fermi-arc characterization, and field-induced order analysis.

Scientific Awards:

• Department of Energy Early Career Award (2015)
• Sloan Fellowship (2015)
• Gordon and Betty Moore Fellow in Materials Synthesis (2014)
• Kittel Chair, UC Berkeley (2013)

As Department Chair, Analytis initiated the Pi2 undergraduate fellowship program and Physics Innovation Lab, driving reforms in graduate admissions, mentoring, and departmental finances. He maintains the Charles Kittel Chair and is affiliated with the Quantum Materials laboratory at UC Berkeley.