PhD Studentship on Architecting Scalable Quantum Computers (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a PhD student to work on developing computer architecture for quantum computers, under the supervision of Dr. Prakash Murali.

Quantum computers hold immense potential for applications that can revolutionise society, including domains such as drug design, agriculture, climate change and more. To cater to applications in these domains, we require fault-tolerant systems that can suppress physical errors using quantum error correction techniques. This project aims to develop computer architecture and systems research techniques to enable the transition from current noisy devices to early fault tolerant systems and accelerate progress towards real-world applications.

The research undertaken by an applicant can include topics such as resource estimation to guide the design of future quantum computers, development of compilation techniques to reduce resource requirements of quantum applications, machine learning techniques to design scalable building blocks for early fault tolerant quantum systems or others.

This position will be funded by an EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Award in quantum technologies. The award provides funding for 3.5 years starting in October 2024, with the opportunity to extend the funding by another 6 months should the need arise.

We are looking for a highly motivated and intellectually curious individual capable of thinking and working independently. Applicants are expected to have a first-class honours degree or good upper-second class honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent standard from an overseas university, in a relevant subject such as computer science, electrical engineering or physics. Having a Master's degree in a relevant subject is highly desirable. Prior experience in quantum computing research is not required, but a willingness to learn and explore new concepts within quantum computing and computer science is crucial.

The candidate will join the quantum computing research group of Dr. Prakash Murali. This position is within the Computer Architecture Research Group (https://www.cst.cam.ac.uk/research/themes/computer-architecture) at the University of Cambridge Department of Computer Science and Technology, a vibrant and internationally leading environment. Candidates are encouraged to collaborate with researchers at other universities and industries worldwide and will have the chance to leverage existing links with national and international companies.