PhD Studentship - On the Development of a Framework for Quantum Resistant Distributed Ledger Technologies

This is a full-time, funded PhD opportunity, open to both home and overseas students. Please note that only home fees will be covered - eligible overseas students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding.

This opportunity provides an annual stipend of the research council minimum rate (set by UKRI) of £19,237 for 2024/25.

Please note that the expected start date for home students is October 2024 and international students January 2025.

Project contact

Dr Olamide Jogunola

Project advert

The introduction of large-scale quantum computing will profoundly affect industry, economy and society. It will bring opportunities such as rapid computation of large, unsorted data sets, rapid training of AI models, higher capacity Lithium-ion batteries.

With these profound opportunities comes the security threat of quantum computing, including the possibility of hacking computationally secure cryptographic algorithms, such as RSA and hash encryption. An example of these threats is in the blockchain network that is gaining momentum in decentralised sectors and trustless environments, such as supply chain, health care records, energy network.

While these quantum threats and potential solutions are been established in the literature, most proposals are theoretical and require large quantum key distribution networks or a new build-up of quantum-resistant blockchain networks. These methods are not fit for purpose.

This research aims to accelerate the UK’s secure blockchain quantum resistance by developing a framework for designing post-quantum blockchain and distributed ledger technologies applicable to existing blockchain networks for quantum-safe properties.

Project aims and objectives

The project aims to develop a framework for the design of a quantum-resistant blockchain applicable to the current blockchain network infrastructure.

This will help to secure the asymmetric encryption used for digital signatures in several distributed systems against quantum and cyberattacks.

The output of this project will have a profound impact on people, businesses, technologies, and the economy, as well as policy impact on regulations on the designs and standards for blockchain-resistance quantum technology.

Specific requirements of the project

• Minimum of an upper second class in Computer Science or related discipline.
• An MSc in Computer Science or related field will be an added advantage.
• A keen interest in quantum computing and blockchain.
• Prior experience with programming languages, such as Python, Solidity, etc.
• Prior experience with quantum software platforms, such as IBM Qiskit, Quantum Virtual Machine, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of cryptographic algorithms, such as Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) and hash encryption.

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr Olamide Jogunola for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Computing and Digital Technologies (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the PGR thesis proposal and Narrative CV addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk. 

Expected start date: Home students October 2024. International students January 2025.

Please quote the reference: SciEng-OJ-2024-quantum

Find out more

Email address: Dr Olamide Jogunola

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