A 3.5 year PhD position is available in in the Ion Quantum Technology Group in the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Sussex. The position is part of the UK National Quantum Technologies programme. The position consists of current UK/EU fees and a yearly stipend of £14533 which can be supplemented by tutoring. The position also includes an annual travel allowance. You should have a physics, electrical engineering or related degree.

Trapped ions are one of the most mature implementation to deliver practical quantum technologies. At the core of quantum technology devices we develop are sophisticated quantum microchips that are being developed in-house and are fabricated by our own group members in our own as well as other leading cleanroom facilities around the world. The group produces state-of-the-art microchips and holds the world record for a number of chip specifications. This project involves designing, fabricating, characterising and operating complex quantum microchips to be used in trapped-ion quantum computing, simulation and sensing quantum devices. This will include the development of through silicon vertical interconnects and on-chip features such as photon detectors, and integrated digital-to-analogue converters. The work will focus on silicon manufacturing technologies. Some of the typical tasks for this position include process development, microchip microfabrication and the operation of ion trapping experiments. You will also participate in the operation of practical quantum computers and quantum simulators.

The Ion Quantum Technology Group is one of the world's leading centres for the implementation of trapped-ion quantum computing and simulation. The group is part of the UK Quantum Technology Hub on Networked Quantum Technologies and the UK Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology. The group currently spans 4 Postdoctoral Fellows, 14 PhD students and 6 undergraduate students.

The city of Brighton & Hove has everything - sun, sea, brilliant clubs, great places to eat, fabulous shops, a truly cosmopolitan vibe and is located only 50min from central London. Located on the beach, Brighton boasts beautiful seaside views and beaches, boating, sports and beach activities. The South Downs provide breathtaking views, tranquil walks and plenty of opportunities for mountain biking, hiking or picnics.

You can find out more about the group at:

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/iqt/

A short film about Professor Hensinger's work can be found here. A popular science lecture given by Prof. Hensinger explaining the principles of quantum computing at the US Department of Energy can be found here.

Some recent media coverage about the group's work can be found here:

Profile interview with Prof Winfried Hensinger

BBC NEWS

BBC Radio 4 Today

International Business Times

BBC WORLD SERVICE World Update

New Scientist

Detailled reading about our research can be found here, including:

• Trapped-ion quantum logic with global radiation fields, S. Weidt, J. Randall, S. C. Webster, K. Lake, A. E. Webb, I. Cohen, T. Navickas, B. Lekitsch, A. Retzker, and W. K. Hensinger, Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 220501 (2016)
• Blueprint for a microwave trapped-ion quantum computer, B. Lekitsch, S. Weidt, A.G. Fowler, K. Mølmer, S.J. Devitt, Ch. Wunderlich, and W.K. Hensinger, arXiv:1508.00420 [quant-ph] (2015)

For more information, please email the head of group,

Prof Winfried Hensinger

(Professor of Quantum Technologies)

(w.k.hensinger@sussex.ac.uk).

To apply please email a CV, and your degree results as soon as possible or the latest by 15/8/17 to the email address above. Note in order to qualify for this position you must have resided in the UK or Europe for three years prior to the start of the position. If you are from outside the UK, you may apply for a non-funded position in the group, however, you will need to have a funding source for tuition fees and living expenses.