PhD Studentship in Foundations of Quantum Computing and Quantum Cryptography

One fully funded PhD position is available to work with Dr Mina Doosti and Dr Myrto Arapinis, in the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh, and co-advised with Dr Farid Shahandeh at the Royal Halloway University of London on a project titled “Resource frameworks for secure quantum computing and quantum cryptography”.

Many quantum cryptographic protocols rely on cryptographic tasks like bit-commitment and coin-flipping, which are impossible to achieve perfectly in classical systems but can be exploited with quantum resources, highlighting the gap between classical and quantum capabilities. Recent cryptanalysis suggests emergence of fundamental quantum properties like contextuality, unclonability and nonlocality with cryptographic properties. Bridging the gap between quantum cryptography and resource theories aims to fully characterize quantum resources in cryptographic tasks, enabling the development of more secure protocols and algorithms. This project aims to deepen our understanding and innovate within both foundations of quantum and cryptography.

• Applicants are expected to have a good Bachelor’s Hons degree (2.1 or above or international equivalent) and/or Master’s degree.
• A strong background in the theory of quantum computation, quantum foundations, quantum information theory, or closely related fields is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in English (both oral and written) is required.

• The duration of the program is 3 years.
• The selected candidates will start as soon as possible
• The studentship covers:
  • Full time PhD tuition fees for a student with a Home or Overseas fee status
  • A tax free stipend of £19,237 per year for 3.5 years
  • A sum of £2,000 is included for conferences and travel

We encourage the applicants to contact Dr Mina Doosti or Dr Farid Shahandeh  for informal inquiries, before formally submitting their applications.

Contact Dr Mina Doosti

Contact Dr Farid Shahandeh

Formal applications should be made through the University’s admissions portal (EUCLID) and apply for the following programme with a start date of October 2024:

PhD Informatics: LFCS: Foundations of Computer Science, Databases, Software and Systems Modelling - 3 Years (Full-time)

Applicants must state the project title, and the research supervisors (Mina Doosti & Myrto Arapinis) in their application and Research Proposal document.

Complete applications submitted by the 26th of April will receive full consideration. After that date, applications will be considered until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is 1st October 2024, but later start dates can be considered.

Applicants must submit:

• All degree transcripts and certificates corresponding to all studies to date (and certified translations if applicable) · Evidence of English Language capability (where applicable in line with University policy)
• A short research proposal (max 2 pages).
• A full CV and cover letter describing your background, suitability for the PhD, and research interests (max 2 pages – please combine your CV and cover letter into one document and upload it to the ‘CV’ upload field of the application form).
• Two references (note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure reference letters are received before the deadline).

Only complete applications (i.e. those that are not missing the above documentation) will progress forward to Academic Selectors for further consideration.

Successful applicants for the Quantum Software Lab will collaborate with members from various departments, including Informatics, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, Engineering, and EPCC. Additionally, they will benefit from an external co-supervisor at Royal Holloway University of London. This program is part of the Oxford DTP allocated to the Quantum Computing and Simulation (QCS) Hub, offering candidates the chance to participate in QCS Hub activities and engage with quantum researchers across the UK.

Link to Quantum Software Lab website

The School of Informatics is one of the largest in Europe and currently the top Informatics institute in the UK for research power, with 40% of its research outputs considered world-leading (top grade), and almost 50% considered top grade for societal impact. The University of Edinburgh is constantly ranked among the world’s top universities (among the top 20 world’s universities in CS) and is a highly international environment with several centres of excellence.