Quantum Research Opportunities

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

August 12 2021

Research projects on offer

Our Sydney network of quantum experts are seeking PhD, Honours and Master students to work on a variety of 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.

Here are a few of the research opportunities on offer in Sydney. You can also browse the list of experts from our partner universities to identify potential supervisors to contact direct.

AI-assisted digital laser frequency stabilization for atomic spectroscopy
Dr Eric Howard, Dr Cyril Laplane
High precision measurements in quantum optics and atomic physics rely on the fine control of the experimental parameters and require the locking stabilisation of the frequency of the transmitted signal. This project entails the design, development and characterization of a loop-back control system and digital controller for laser frequency stabilization. The hardware will be based on a RedPitaya STEMlab platform and will be used to lock the laser emission frequency to the cavity resonance of reference and spectral peak maximum for Doppler-free absorption spectroscopy experiments with Rubidium. The student will employ machine learning methods for analysis and optimisation of the interfacing and acquisition of the emission spectra for atomic vapor saturated absorption spectroscopy experiments.

For more information, contact the project supervisor: Dr Eric Howard
This project would suit: This Master's project is suited to graduates with a strong background in electronics or optoelectronics and an interest in embedded systems and quantum/atomic physics.
Masters,
Advanced digitisation techniques and threshold effects in experimental quantum simulators
A/Prof Nathan Langford, Dr JP Dehollain, A/Prof Daniel Burgarth, A/Prof Dominic Berry
This project is part of our exciting new ARC-funded research grant, where we aim to enhance high-tech quantum simulators to meet the demands of computer-modelling intensive industries such as drug and vaccine design. By developing innovative digitisation and control techniques for simulating the behaviour of complex quantum systems, a task that is generally impossible to solve with classical computing technology, this project aims to help shape the design of future quantum computers and maximise the modelling power of current industry-scale processors built by companies like Google, IBM and Australian start-up, Silicon Quantum Computing.

In this project, you will work in a state-of-the-art circuit QED laboratory under the supervision of A/Prof Nathan Langford and Dr JP Dehollain, and collaborate with leading local and international quantum theorists. You will develop and test key elements of new and state-of-the-art digitisation techniques for quantum simulations and control, studying threshold behaviours in digitisation performance and developing experimental techniques for higher-order digitisation. You will develop strong experimental skills in quantum device design, simulation, fabrication and characterisation, cryogenic microwave measurements, and expertise in quantum information theory and algorithms.

Quantum computing is shaping up to be one of the most influential high-tech industries of the 21st century, with a large and growing global industry, start-up and academic community constantly searching for new talent with training and technical skills in quantum technologies research. This PhD will provide exactly the training and skills you need to join the quantum technologies revolution and secure a place in this exciting growth industry.

The stipend for this project is available only for Australian domestic students. For more information, please visit: https://www.uts.edu.au/scholarship/advanced-digitisation-techniques-and-threshold-effects-experimental-quantum-simulators

For more information, contact the project supervisor: A/Prof Nathan Langford
This project would suit: We encourage high performing students to apply who are undertaking an Honours or Master's degree in an appropriate subject area, such as physics or engineering, and strong results in undergraduate courses in quantum physics and other relevant subject areas. The funding for this project is eligible for Australian domestic students only.
PhD,
Advancing quantum computing with Diraq (Next Generation Quantum Graduates Program)
Dr Andre Saraiva, Industry Placement with Diraq
This project is part of the CSIRO Next Generation Quantum Graduates Scholarship Program (NGQGP). Diraq is a Sydney-based quantum computing company, delivering revolutionary quantum computing to the world, based on existing silicon chip technology. This immersive PhD project at Diraq provides students with hands-on experience in silicon MOS based quantum computing. Under expert guidance, participants contribute to cutting-edge projects, receive tailored mentorship, and engage in specialised training, enriching both their academic journey and industry prospects.

For more information, contact the project supervisor: Dr Andre Saraiva
This project would suit: An exceptional student holding an Honours or Masters qualification in electrical engineering, physics, or a relevant field, possessing strong knowledge of semiconductor or quantum physics.
PhD,
Analog trapped-ion quantum simulators for chemical dynamics
A/Prof Ivan Kassal, Dr Ting Rei Tan, Prof Michael Biercuk
Quantum simulators aim to describe the properties of quantum systems that would otherwise be too difficult to simulate on ordinary computers. In particular, analog quantum simulators—which do not require universal, programmable quantum computers—are likely to be the first practical quantum computing devices.

Our goal is to simulate the outcomes of chemical reactions that are beyond the capabilities of conventional computers, which would have transformative impacts from materials and energy science to drug discovery.

To do so, we are developing analog quantum simulators for chemical dynamics using a state-of-the-art trapped-ion platform. Our ytterbium ion trap is among the best in the world for simulating motional degrees of freedom, which we are using to mimic the quantum-mechanical motion of atoms in chemical processes.

This project is a collaboration between the theorists in the Kassal group and the ion-trap experimentalists in the Quantum Control Lab. The collaboration is wide ranging, from theoretically exploring fundamental analog simulation algorithms to devising experimental quantum-control processes for optimising our experimental simulations. Therefore, different aspects of this collaborative projects would suit either theorists or experimentalists, chemists or physicists, or those who wish to purse their degree (at any level) at the interface of all of these fields. Please contact us for further information about the current status of the project and how it can be tailored to your interests.

For more information, contact the project supervisor: A/Prof Ivan Kassal
This project would suit: Students with background in either chemistry or physics
Atomically thin van-der Waals materials
Prof Alex Hamilton, Dr Feixiang Xiang
Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms with honeycomb lattice structure, shows many exotic physics and promising properties for device applications. Stacking different layers together provides a degree of freedom to change electronic properties of graphene, such as electronic band structures. In this project, the successful applicant will work with a team from QED group from School of Phyiscs at UNSW to explore effect of different stacking order on electronic properties of ABA- and ABC- stacked trilayer graphene. The successful applicant will participate in fabrication of van der Waals heterostructure and measuring their electronic properties in an environment of ultracold temperatures and high magnetic fields.

For more information, contact the project supervisor: Prof Alex Hamilton
This project would suit: An experimentally focussed materials scientist, chemist or physicist
Honours, Undergrad,

Research projects on offer

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AI-assisted digital laser frequency stabilization for atomic spectroscopy

Advanced digitisation techniques and threshold effects in experimental quantum simulators

Advancing quantum computing with Diraq (Next Generation Quantum Graduates Program)

Analog trapped-ion quantum simulators for chemical dynamics

Atomically thin van-der Waals materials

Research projects on offer

General search and filters

General search and filters

Filter by University

University

Filter by Level

Level

AI-assisted digital laser frequency stabilization for atomic spectroscopy

Advanced digitisation techniques and threshold effects in experimental quantum simulators

Advancing quantum computing with Diraq (Next Generation Quantum Graduates Program)

Analog trapped-ion quantum simulators for chemical dynamics

Atomically thin van-der Waals materials