A fully funded PhD position for EU citizens is offered for a project on “SpeedDemon: Quantum speed limits in thermodynamic processes and coherent control” in the School of Physics, Trinity College Dublin. The work will be supervised by Dr. Steve Campbell (quantumwizard.weebly.com) through a Starting Investigator Research Grant from Science Foundation Ireland. The project aim to design practical schemes to achieve the ultimate control of complex quantum systems. This will be achieved by bringing together several fundamental bounds related to the communication of quantum information, the thermodynamic cost of computation, and the limits on the speed of a quantum evolution.

The project will involve the theoretical study of quantum speed limits in a variety of settings, in particular, Markovian and non-Markovian equilibration, thermometry protocols, and information erasure. The project will involve developing a mastery of numerical and analytical techniques in studying non-equilibrium quantum systems, quantum thermodynamics, open quantum systems, and quantum estimation tools.

Collaborations and connections are expected with groups based in Italy, US, UK, and Turkey as well as other research groups at TCD:
Thermodynamics and energetics of quantum systems (Goold): https://www.tcd.ie/Physics/research/groups/qusys/
Quantum Light and Matter (Eastham): https://www.tcd.ie/Physics/research/groups/qlamg/

The successful candidate must hold a degree in physics, mathematics, or other closely related disciplines. The candidate will be enrolled in the graduate program at Trinity College Dublin and the position is fully funded for a period of 4 years, including University fees and a tax-free stipend of €18,500 p/a. Further information regarding the requirements for acceptance to TCDs graduate program are available here:
http://www.tcd.ie/courses/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

Please note the following conditions stipulated by TCD:
- Admission requires at least a 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent result from a university in another country).
- A recognised certificate of English Language Competency.
http://www.tcd.ie/courses/postgraduate/how-to-apply/requirements/index.php

Deadline for applications: 31st May 2019
Start Date: 1st September 2019

To apply please send a CV and cover letter with the names of two potential referees (letters are not required at this point) to:

steve.campbell@tcd.ie

Informal queries prior to full application are also welcomed.