Advanced Quantum Networking: Building the first, permanent, quantum secure, high speed (100Gb/s) data network

Led by the University of York, the Quantum Communications Hub is a partnership of eight universities and numerous private sector companies http://www.quantumcommshub.net/ . The overall aim of the Hub is to develop a range of new, secure, quantum communications technologies. A PhD studentship, supported by EPSRC funding through York, is available to work on advanced quantum networking, based at Adastral Park (BT’s R&D centre near Ipswich).

The student will participate in a large scale project building the first, permanent, quantum secure, high speed (100Gb/s) data network, linking various locations in Cambridge and Adastral Park. The student will be involved in a wide range of research activities associated with the project and gain invaluable experience and training in the fast-growing area of highly secure communications. The work will be primarily experimental, including operation of both the data and quantum aspects of the network, carrying out a range of trials over the coming years. The student will join an existing team, spread between York, BT and Cambridge, and be involved in first demonstrations of new quantum networking concepts such as short distance QKD and CV-QKD. Further research questions involve the interoperability between classical and quantum keys and the dynamic control of key distribution networks. The market pull is to explore applications that will make use of this technology, such as secure data centre back-up or secure services for financial institutions.

Initial quantum expertise is not essential for the role, although an interest in it would be beneficial. A general understanding of networks is more important, coupled with an enthusiasm for experimental work. Some software-writing skills would enhance the role, especially when building “proof of concept” trials with early-adopter clients. Finally, the role will require strong interpersonal skills, as all of the activities will be essentially team-based and distributed between the various labs.