Quantum computation is an exciting development in computer technology, with a theoretical basis that was formalised in the early 1990s. Practical-minded technologists are interested in how to design the architecture and the interfaces for these computers, theorists continue to investigate the model and how it contrasts to ‘classical’ computation, and everyone tries to find new techniques to solve problems involving this counterintuitive model of computation. 

In this project, you will attempt to advance the state of the art in one of these facets of quantum computation. You will work with the supervision of Dr.Niel de Beaudrap, a researcher whose work ranges from techniques to describe surface code lattice surgery, to quantum programming languages, to computational complexity. Subjects of interest include (but are not limited to) designing a compiler front-end tofacilitate simple real-time meta-programming; investigating how quantum chemistry may be effectively represented using finite-dimensional systems; improved techniques for quantum error correction; developing graphical calculi to help with reasoning about complex procedures; and exploring the mathematical underpinnings of quantum computation to better simulate them with classical computers. Building on your strengths and interests, you will pursue a project which will contribute in some way to improving our understanding of quantum computation, or to make it easier to express or analyse.  
 
Whatever your background, this project would be best suited to candidates who are confident in mathematics, physics, or theoretical computer science in some form.In particular, you should be comfortable with one or more topics along the lines of operator theory, many-body theory, formal language theory, electromagnetism, number theory, bosonic or fermionic algebras, graph theory, category theory, or computational complexity. 

This scholarship is available to UK, EU and overseas applicants. 

Eligible candidates will have an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in a related field. 

The University of Sussex believes that the diversity of its staff and student community is fundamental to creative thinking, pedagogic innovation, intellectual challenge, and the interdisciplinary approach to research and learning. We celebrate and promote diversity,equality and inclusion amongst our staff and students. As such, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Please clearly state on your application that you are applying for the Quantum Computing Theory or Software Systems scholarship under the supervision of Dr. Niel de Beaudrap. 

Please ensure you application includes each of the following: 

• A personal statement indicating: 

• Your CV.
• Degree certificates and transcripts. 
• 2 references, including a minimum of 1 from any institution studied at within the last 5 years.
• If your first language is not English you will need to demonstrate that you meet the University’s English language requirements, see here for details of our accepted documentation.

Optional: 

• 2-3 page research proposal— but only if you already have a particular topic in mind.