One PhD position (UK applicants only) is available in the newly formed group of Asst. Prof. Simon Milz at the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences (IPaQS) at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.

The group’s research interests span quantum information theory, the study of open quantum system dynamics and quantum stochastic processes, the investigation of genuinely quantum effects in space and time as well as the study of causality in quantum mechanics.

PhD Project

Possible research topics for the PhD project include the development of efficient characterisation schemes for non-Markovian quantum processes, noise mitigation in quantum processes, quantum resources in non-Markovian processes, as well as the study of reversibility in multi-time quantum processes, with the explicit research direction being established during the first year of study. While the project’s focus is theoretical, there is ample opportunity for collaboration with the experimental groups at IPaQS, and close dialogue between theory and experiment is explicitly envisioned.

Over the course of this PhD project, the successful canditate will develop significant expertise in theoretical quantum information theory, and gain an understanding of the fundamental limits of information processing in complex quantum processes. Through collaboration with experimentalists at IPaQS, they will learn to adapt theoretical findings to real-world physical scenarios and, ideally, test them experimentally. The position will be a based at IPaQS, which is host to a multitude of leading experimental and theoretical groups in the area of Quantum Science and Technology, providing a scientifically dynamic environment and large opportunity for collaboration.

Prerequisites

Prospective candidates should have a background in quantum physics and/or mathematics (or related fields) and display an enthusiastic and pro-active approach to research and problem solving. Ideally, they also have some experience in at least one of the relevant areas: quantum information theory, quantum thermodynamics, tensor-network methods, open quantum system dynamics, quantum control, machine learning.

How to apply

For informal inquiries and to apply, please get in touch directly with Simon Milz (s.milz@hw.ac.uk). The application deadline for the position is 28 March, 2025, with online interviews likely to be held in the week of 31 March – 4 April 2025.

Applicants should provide a brief letter of motivation (<1 page), a CV including the contact details of two references, and up-to-date academic transcripts.

We especially encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics and Engineering.

Funding Notes

The position is only open to UK nationals. The studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years, covering tuition fees and a tax free stipend of £19,237 (UKRI rate 2024-25) per year that is adjusted for inflation. The position starts in September 2025 and comes with adequate access to a travel funding and computing resources.