PhD studentship: Developing a portable quantum sensor

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.

Quantum sensing with trapped ions is a powerful new technology that may have step changing impact for numerous applications such as breast cancer detection, mineral, oil exploration and national security. As part of this project you will develop a portable quantum sensor with world-record magnetic field sensitivity. After constructing a laboratory demonstrator device, you will then participate developing a portable sensor capable of airborne and field application. You will work with industry towards making a commercial device capable of being operated in a variety of environments. This device will also have applications as ultrastable portable atomic clock and the technology you develop will be critical for the realization of practical quantum computers. The work will be carried out as part of the UK Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology. The position includes a thorough 1-year training program along with a 3-year research component. For the 1-year training program, you will be awarded an MRes in Translational Quantum Technology (https://www.quantumsensors.org/news/new-translational-quantum-technology-studentship-programme-announced/).

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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naqHy5MAYXw). A popular science lecture given by Prof. Hensinger explaining the principles of quantum computing at the US Department of Energy can be found here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fccSQHBssi0&feature=youtu.be) .

Some recent media coverage about the group’s work can be found here:
Profile interview with Prof Winfried Hensinger - http://www.sussex.ac.uk/newsandevents/index?id=38087
BBC NEWS - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38106482
BBC Radio 4 Today - https://twitter.com/BBCr4today/status/802068933272633344
International Business Times - http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/quantum-computing-breakthrough-uk-scientists-develop-technique-greatly-simplify-trapped-ions-1593317
BBC WORLD SERVICE World Update - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04jc79y
New Scientist - https://www.newscientist.com/article/2115521-quantum-computers-ditch-all-the-lasers-for-easier-engineering/

Detailled reading about our research can be found here (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/iqt/publications.html), 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)
([Email Address Removed]).

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 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.