Available to home and outstanding international applicants.
Quantum technologies are advancing rapidly, raising a central question for the field: Can quantum computers solve physically relevant problems better than classical computers? Understanding this requires overcoming theoretical challenges at the intersection of quantum information, many-body physics, and complexity theory.
This PhD project aims to explore the capabilities and limitations of quantum computation and develop quantum algorithms for tackling quantum problems.
You will work on a range of closely connected topics, which, for example, may include:
- Complexity of quantum dynamics, and its quantum simulation.
Study the fundamental computational complexity involved in simulating the time evolution of many-body quantum systems. This includes exploring links with quantum thermalisation, open quantum system dynamics, and the emergence of classical behaviour. We will develop new quantum algorithms for simulating quantum processes more efficiently.
- Quantum algorithms
We will investigate the potential for quantum computers in quantum problems. This includes finding eigenstates of many-body Hamiltonians, simulating quantum dynamics, Hamiltonian learning, quantum thermalisation, and characterising phases of matter. Insights may have implications for quantum error correction, non-Markovian behaviour, quantum memory effects, and noise-resilient quantum computation.
- New notions of quantum computation
We will also explore quantum sensing and spectroscopy from a quantum-computational perspective. This will link concepts from quantum information with physical notions such as correlations functions, response theory and fingerprints of many-body systems. We may think about new notions of quantum computing that is beyond current ‘qubit’ and ‘qumode’ frameworks.
Application Method
To apply for this studentship and for entry onto the Physics programme (Full Time), please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spcs/phdresearch/application-process/#apply
Website
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spcs/ccmp/phd-at-ccmp/phd-projects-in-ccmp/quantu...
https://jinzhao-sun.github.io/openings/
Deadline for application - 28th of January 2026
Note
Applications should be submitted by 28th of January 2026 for full consideration in this round. You are encouraged to apply as early as possible. You may also contact the supervisor to explore other PhD studentship opportunities beyond this deadline.
Supervisor Contact Details
For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Jinzhao Sun
Email: jinzhao.sun@qmul.ac.uk
PhD Research Studentship Details
The studentship arrangement will cover home tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three years at UKRI level.
