Quantum Research Opportunities

The Sydney quantum community are after bright minds to work on the next breakthroughs in quantum science and technology.

Published on:
quantum microscope

Research projects on offer

Our Sydney network of quantum experts are seeking PhD, Honours and Master students to work on various quantum science and technology research projects. Projects suit both experimentalists or theorists and driven individuals with backgrounds across a range of disciplines such as physics, computer science, engineering, chemistry or mathematics.

Applications for the Master of Research Scholarships at Macquarie University are now open to domestic students from any discipline—but your project must explore a quantum-related topic. Please refer to the project list below—note that it is not exhaustive. Applicants are also welcome to propose their own quantum-related research projects.

Our PhD scholarship program offers an array of research projects spanning quantum science and technology across our partner universities. To find a research project, filter projects by university or research specialisation at the PhD level. Please note this list is not exhaustive. You can also use our database to search for experts/supervisors based on their research interests and discuss other opportunities. We recommend contacting a prospective supervisor in advance of applying for our scholarship programs.

How to use the filter - view by university, study level or use the general search field to view by quantum research field e.g. communication, sensing or computing/computation.

General search and filters

  • Benchmarking prototypical and scaled quantum computers with Quantum Motion (Next Generation Quantum Graduates Program) 

    A. Prof Chris Ferrie , Dr Mark Johnson - Industry placement with Quantum Motion Technologies

    This project is part of the CSIRO Next Generation Quantum Graduates Scholarship Program (NGQGP). Quantum Motion are marrying fifty years of global CMOS development with world-leading expertise in qubit design and architectures

    Quantum computers promise to solve computational problems intractable for classical machines. To be able to run these algorithms, modern quantum computing hardware needs to  be scaled up. Silicon-based approaches to building a scalable quantum processor offer advantages such as high qubit density, record qubit coherence lifetimes for the solid state, and the ability to leverage the advanced nanofabrication methods of CMOS technologies.

    For more information, contact the project supervisor: A. Prof Chris Ferrie
    This project would suit: This project would suit an exceptional electrical engineering, quantum engineering or physics student with strengths in quantum mechanics and data analysis who can devise and apply practical engineering solutions for tomorrow's quantum computers.
    University of Technology Sydney
    PhD,

  • Development of plasma technologies for functionalization of advanced materials and removal of chemical contaminants from water. 

    Prof Charlene Lobo

    Plasma chemistry involves the dissociation of chemical precursors using reactive plasmas rather than heat (as in the more conventional techniques of chemical vapour deposition and molecular beam epitaxy). This project will focus on developing new precursor chemistries and techniques for fabrication and functionalization of graphene, MoS2, and other two-dimensional materials used in quantum and electronic devices. 

    For more information, contact the project supervisor: Prof Charlene Lobo
    This project would suit: This project would suit physics, electrical/materials engineering or applied physics majors
    University of Technology Sydney
    Honours, Masters,

  • Exploration of Novel Colour Centres in Wide Bandgap Semiconductors for Quantum Applications

    A/Prof Cuong Ton-That

    This project aims to investigate and characterise novel colour centres in wide bandgap semiconductors, with a particular focus on β-Ga2O3 and related materials. Drawing inspiration from recent discoveries of transition metal-related colour centres emitting in the telecom range, we seek to uncover and engineer optically active point defects for quantum information and sensing applications. The research will involve: (i) Synthesis and controlled doping of wide bandgap semiconductor crystals, focusing on transition metal impurities and their complexes. (ii) Advanced spectroscopic characterisation of colour centres, including high spatial resolution, temperature-resolved cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy to determine electronic structure and spin properties, and (ii) combination of CL and laser excitation to study excited state dynamics and map higher-lying excited states.

    For more information, contact the project supervisor: A/Prof Cuong Ton-That
    This project would suit: This project would suit high-performing students with a background in physics, materials science or engineering. Experience with optical spectroscopy would be advantageous but is not required.
    University of Technology Sydney
    Honours, Masters, PhD,

  • Formal Verification of Quantum Circuits

    Prof Sanjiang Li, Prof Yuan Feng

    The ARC Discovery Project (approved in 2021) aims to develop comprehensive theory and effective techniques for formal modelling, equivalence checking, and model checking of quantum circuits. The research is timely as the rapid growth of quantum computing hardware makes it an urgent task to develop verification techniques for quantum hardware design and quantum compilers. The successful development of the algorithms and software tools proposed in this project will significantly advance the knowledge on formal verification of quantum circuits and help Australian quantum start-ups build and maintain an internationally leading position in the rapidly emerging quantum electronic design automation (EDA) industry.

    For more information, contact the project supervisor: Prof Sanjiang Li
    This project would suit: Students with a background in Computer Science, Mathematics, or electronic design automation (EDA)
    University of Technology Sydney
    Honours, PhD,

  • Formal verification of quantum logic circuits

    Prof Sanjiang Li, Prof Yuan Feng

    The project aims to develop comprehensive theory and effective techniques for formal modelling, equivalence checking, and model checking of quantum circuits. The research is timely as the rapid growth of quantum computing hardware makes it an urgent task to develop verification techniques for quantum hardware design and quantum compilers.

     

    For more information, contact the project supervisor: Prof Sanjiang Li
    This project would suit: computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, or related background
    University of Technology Sydney
    PhD,