** Updated – December 2024 **
PhD Studentship: Quantum Photonics in Space and Time
Application deadline: January 31st, 2025
Note: We especially encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics and Engineering.
From the first quantum computers to ultra-secure quantum networks, entangled particles of light play a key role in quantum technologies today. Perhaps even more interestingly, entanglement tells us something profound about the nature of reality itself. Entanglement is usually explored with the quantum versions of bits, or qubits, which are quantum states composed of “1s” and “0s.” However, quantum states encoded in the properties of a photon such as its position, momentum, time, and frequency can be much more complex, opening interesting new directions in quantum information science.
This is a four-year PhD position in the Beyond Binary Quantum Information (BBQ) Lab at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. The BBQ Lab is led by Prof. Mehul Malik and consists of a dynamic team of researchers working at the forefront of the quantum technology revolution. You will conduct your research in the extensive photonics laboratory facilities of the BBQ Lab, which is funded by generous grants from the European Research Council (ERC), the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The BBQ Lab has significant links to leadings group in the EU/North America, and is a member of two UK National Quantum Technology Hubs (IQN/Integrated Quantum Networks and QuSIT/Quantum Sensing, Imaging, and Timing). In addition, we have an ongoing partnership with the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Caltech that includes access to state-of-the-art superconducting detector technology being developed at JPL.
In this PhD project, you will explore new ways to control the spatial and temporal structure of light at the quantum level, and work towards the development of entanglement-based quantum technologies for communication and imaging. While the specific research direction of your PhD will be established during the first year of study, it will build on our existing research strengths in structured light, high-dimensional/multi-photon entanglement, complex scattering media, and noise-robust quantum communication. You will be supported if you wish to develop your teaching and/or public communication skills. For more details on our research, please have a look at our recent publications.
During this project, you will develop significant expertise in theoretical and experimental quantum information science, with specific skills in programming, experimental quantum photonics, and entanglement theory. Throughout the project, you will have the opportunity to develop your communication skills and build your network through international/UK collaborative projects, publication of peer-reviewed papers, and presentations at UK/EU meetings and workshops. This position comes with the potential to travel and present your work at leading international conferences in the field.
The ideal candidate should have a good understanding of quantum physics and photonics, as well as enthusiasm for experimental work. This research project would ideally suit a candidate with a background in one of the following disciplines: Physics, Optics, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, although we are open to any enthusiastic applicant with a science-related background. A top class degree/high grades in your field of study are essential.
Informal enquiries may be made to Dr. Suraj Goel at s.goel(at)hw.ac.uk.
Applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics are especially encouraged. There is some flexibility in starting dates, but the PhD position will ideally start in Sep/Oct 2025. Formal applications must be made through the Heriot-Watt online application system. In addition, please arrange for two academic references to be sent to Prof. Malik at m.malik@hw.ac.uk. The closing date for this position is Jan 31, 2025.
Funding Notes: This position is open to all nationalities and includes funding for UK Visa costs, including the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge. The position includes an annual tax-free stipend of £19,795 (UKRI level 2025/26) that is adjusted yearly for inflation. In addition, you will be provided with a research-grade laptop and have access to £3000 of departmental funds for travel to conferences and workshops. Significant additional funds for attending national and international conferences are available from BBQLab.
Apply here: Heriot-Watt online application system (Please note that you don’t need to provide a research proposal at this stage. If the application system requires you to do so, please fill it in as a formality as it will not be taken into account when assessing your application.)
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BBQ Lab 