PhD Studentship in Quantum Error Correction

One fully funded four-year PhD position is available to work on the project titled “Decoding Quantum Error Correction Protocols for Neutral Atom Quantum Computers”. This position is a collaborative studentship between the University of Edinburgh and the National Quantum Computing Centre (www.nqcc.ac.uk). The position will be registered and hosted at the University of Edinburgh and supervised by:

• Dr. Joschka Roffe, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh
• Dr. Oliver Brown, Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre (EPCC), University of Edinburgh
• Dr. Nicholas Spong, National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), Harwell, Oxfordshire

Over the course of the studentship students will be offered a minimum of three months to work at the NQCC with relevant research teams.

This position is part of a wider cohort of 6 collaborative studentships, in which the projects have been co-developed by the NQCC and different academic institutes across the UK. The scheme will include cohort-based training and activities, enabling students to gain wider skills and develop valuable personal and professional networks.

Candidate’s profile

• Knowledge of quantum computing and an understanding of challenges of building large-scale systems
• Python programming skills
• A good Bachelor’s Hons degree (2.1 or above or international equivalent) and/or Master’s degree in a relevant subject (physics, mathematics, engineering, computer science, or related subject)
• Proficiency in English (both oral and written)
• Desirable: Programming skills in C/C++, Rust or other relevant low-level languages
• Desirable: Experience programming GPUs, FPGAs, ASICs or other specialised hardware

Studentship and eligibility

The studentship covers:

• Full time PhD tuition fees for a student with a Home fee status (£4,786* per annum) or overseas fee status (£33,100 per annum)
• A tax free stipend of £23,600 per year

*Rates are for 24/25 as 25/26 rates not yet confirmed

Application information

Applicants should apply via the University’s admissions portal (EUCLID) and apply for the following programme: postgraduate.degrees.ed.ac.uk/index.php?r=site/view&edition=2025&id=1130 with a start date of 1^st September 2025

Applicants should state “Decoding Quantum Error Correction Protocols for Neutral Atom Quantum Computers” and the research supervisor (Joschka Roffe) in their application and Research Proposal document.

Complete applications submitted by 31^st January will receive full consideration; after that date applications will be considered until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is 1^st September 2025 but later start dates can be considered.

Applicants must submit:

• All degree transcripts and certificates (and certified translations if applicable)
• Evidence of English Language capability (where applicable)
• A short research proposal (max 2 pages)
• A full CV and cover letter describing your background, suitability for the PhD, and research interests (max 2 pages)
• Two references (note that it the applicant’s responsibility to ensure reference letters are received before the deadline)

Only complete applications (i.e. those that are not missing the above documentation) will progress forward to Academic Selectors for further consideration.

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