Funding is available for a PhD student to join the Smart Internet Lab / High Performance Networks Groups in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Bristol, to work on a project funded by the Quantum Communications Hub. 

With demonstrations from the likes of IBM Q, Google’s Bristlecone, Rigetti’s Aspen and PsiQuanum, quantum computing is witnessing its first generation of quantum processors composed of tens of qubits. While this is a great achievement towards practical quantum computing, when it comes to scalability, we face two major limitations: (i) how to increase the number of qubits in such mono-lithic machines; (ii) how to share quantum computing resources efficiently and flexibly.

One solution is to use several few qubit quantum processors in a networked fashion. This distributed quantum processing resembles the structure of classical Data Centres (DCs). Current quantum computers are noisy. However, as their performance improves, and they are manufactured in number, how best to connect them together and ultimately create a quantum data centre becomes highly relevant.

This PhD aims to develop a quantum network for a scalable quantum computing interconnect in form of a Quantum Data Centre (QDC) able to provide service to multiple applications at the same time.

This PhD is expected to be a combination of theoretical, simulation and experimental proof of concept research activities utilising extensive experimental quantum networking facility at Bristol University.

How to apply:

• All candidates should submit a full CV and covering letter to quantum-data-centre-project@bristol.ac.uk (clearly marked with End-to-End Dynamic and Entanglement based Quantum Networking) by the deadline.
• Formal applications for PhD are not essential at this stage, but can be submitted via the University of Bristol homepage (clearly marked with End-to-End Dynamic and Entanglement based Quantum Networking).
• A Selection Panel will be established to review all applications and to conduct interviews of short-listed candidates.
• Candidates will be invited to give a presentation prior to their formal interview, as part of the final selection process.
• Application deadline 1 August 2022 or sooner if an appropriate candidate is found. Early application is recommended.

Candidate requirements:

PhD applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a master’s degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Applicants without a Master qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level:

Profile E. Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Basic skills and knowledge required:

• Background understanding in Telecommunication networks, Quantum Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Security and Cryptography
• Excellent analytical skills and experimental acumen

Funding:

This is a fully funded 3.5-year studentship covering:

• A tax-free stipend per year for living expenses;
• Tuition fees at UK student rates;
• Annual allowance of £1,500 for travel and consumables for the first 3 years

Contacts:

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact SCEEM Postgraduate Research Admissions sceem-pgr-admissions@bristol.ac.uk