PhD studentships in quantum computing: Toward energy-efficient quantum computing

Apply here

Celebrating

Visit our IYQ 2025 page

Toward energy-efficient quantum computing

University: Queen Mary University of London

Research Group: Center for Condensed Matter Physics
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 4 years
Full-time Project: yes

Funding

Funding is provided via the Engineering and Physical Science research Council (EPSRC) 

  • Available to home applicants only.
  • Applicant required to start in September 2026

Project Description

Quantum computers have the potential to tackle some of the most computationally complex problems, beyond the reach of even the most advanced supercomputers today. Although the technology is still in its early stages, progress on its development continues to accelerate rapidly across the world. However, as quantum computing systems and services are being designed, built, and used, they will start to place growing demands on energy and other resources such as water and critical materials. A lack of forward thinking in terms of energy demand for quantum computing would ultimately limit its practical applicability. This project is aimed at analysing and optimising the energy efficiency of quantum computing systems relative with their performance.

The key objectives over the four-year work PhD project are:

  1. Develop digital twins that combine AI, numerical simulations, and real-world telemetry, performance and energy usage data to visualise interactions between components and optimise the performance/power ratio of quantum computing systems and processes.
  2. Use digital twins to establish energy-based metrics that rigorously benchmark future quantum datacentres using different technologies and materials systems, computing architectures and software, and provide an unbiased, independent yardstick for energy consumption.
  3. Disseminate the research findings through a range of presentations at academic, industrial and Government agency events and attend dedicated workshops to engage with key stakeholders and gain feedback to improve the research and innovation, and work with UK industry to inform and support quantum computing supply chains in areas such as photonics, electronics and cryogenics.

This position is a collaborative studentship between the Queen Mary University of London and the National Quantum Computing Centre. The position will be registered and hosted at the university, within the group of Professor Jan Mol. The student will also have a co-supervisor at the NQCC, Dr Jonathan Burnett, who is an expert in the field. Over the course of the studentship students will be offered a minimum of three months to work at the NQCC with relevant research teams. 

This position is part of a wider cohort of 6 collaborative studentships within the NQCC’s Doctoral Studentship Scheme, where projects have been co-developed by the NQCC and different academic institutes across the UK. The scheme will include cohort-based training and activities, enabling students to gain wider skills and develop valuable personal and professional networks. 

Requirements

PhD Research Studentship Details

  • Available to Home student applicants only. To be treated as a home student, candidates must meet one of these criteria:
    • Be a UK national (meeting residency requirements)  
    • Have settled status  
    • Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements)  
    • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter.  
  • It is expected that the student will start their doctoral training in the early part of the 2026/2027 academic year
  • The studentship arrangement will cover home tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for four years.
  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Prof. Jan Mol

Tel: 020 7882 5582

E-mail: j.mol@qmul.ac.uk

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award programme (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

Further Guidance: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/

Deadline for applications: 28th of January 2026

SPCS Academics: Professor Jan Mol

Related Jobs