A 3.5 year PhD position is available in the Ion Quantum Technology Group in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Sussex. The position consists of current UK/EU fees and a yearly stipend of £ £14296 which can be supplemented by tutoring. The position also includes an annual travel allowance. You should have a physics or related degree.

Impressive progress has been made in the implementation of quantum technologies with trapped ions. This includes the realisation of high-fidelity quantum gates, quantum error correction, teleportation and many quantum algorithms. Traditionally, quantum gates with trapped ions have been implemented using pairs of laser beams. Large-scale quantum computers may require in excess of millions of individual quantum bits. Creating the required number of laser beams to entangle the ions may indeed entail significant engineering and come at a significant cost. By contrast, the use of microwave radiation for the same purpose would be much easier and would make the construction of an actual large-scale ion-trap quantum-information processor much simpler. We already implemented two-ion quantum gates using microwave radiation close to the fault-tolerant threshold. As part of this project, you will work on the implementation of quantum algorithms and quantum simulations and you will work to increase gate fidelities and gate speeds. You will also participate in the realisation of quantum computer demonstrator device.

The Ion Quantum Technology Group at the University of Sussex, Brightonis one of the world's leading centres for the implementation of trapped ion quantum computing and simulation using microwave radiation. Microchips developed by the group provide state-of-the-art architectures for a large scale quantum computers, quantum simulators and quantum sensors. 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. You will learn all the experimental skills and theoretical background needed in this emerging field of science. Some of the skills you will acquire include lasers and optics, ultra-high vacuum techniques, quantum information science, electronics and many other skills. The group is part of the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies.

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.