Quantum Research Opportunities

The Sydney quantum community are after bright minds to work on the next breakthroughs in quantum science and technology.

August 12 2021

Research projects on offer

Our Sydney network of quantum experts are seeking PhD, Honours and Master students to work on various quantum science and technology research projects. Projects suit both experimentalists or theorists and driven individuals with backgrounds across a range of disciplines such as physics, computer science, engineering, chemistry or mathematics.

Applications for the Master of Research Scholarships at Macquarie University are now open to domestic students from any discipline—but your project must explore a quantum-related topic. Please refer to the project list below—note that it is not exhaustive. Applicants are also welcome to propose their own quantum-related research projects.

Our PhD scholarship program offers an array of research projects spanning quantum science and technology across our partner universities. To find a research project, filter projects by university or research specialisation at the PhD level. Please note this list is not exhaustive. You can also use our database to search for experts/supervisors based on their research interests and discuss other opportunities. We recommend contacting a prospective supervisor in advance of applying for our scholarship programs.

How to use the filter - view by university, study level or use the general search field to view by quantum research field e.g. communication, sensing or computing/computation.

Complexity and universality in quantum scattering and sampling with PsiQuantum (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)
Prof Peter Turner, Prof Terry Rudolph, Industry placement with PsiQuantum
This project is part of the ARC Training Centre Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program (FLiQC).

Interference is a defining feature of quantum mechanics and an important resource in quantum information technologies. Boson sampling, for example, hinges on the fact that interferometers natively sample probability distributions given by the symmetric representation of the unitary group, which in turn is given by computationally ‘hard’ matrix permanents. This opens a wide array of interesting mathematical connections between representation theory, combinatorics, and universality in quantum scattering problems.

In this PhD project we will explore these connections and their implications for quantum information and computation. A key question is whether these generalisations might be practically useful beyond demonstrating computational ‘supremacy’.

For more information, contact the project supervisor: Prof Peter Turner
This project would suit: A mathematically sophisticated student who is interested in the quickly growing field of quantum technologies.
PhD,
Design of fault-tolerant protocols with PsiQuantum (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)
Prof Andrew Doherty , Prof Stephen Bartlett, Dr Sam Roberts, Industry placement with PsiQuantum
This project is part of the ARC Training Centre Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program (FLiQC).

Quantum error-correcting codes are static objects from which fault tolerant protocols can be derived. The implementation of a fault tolerant protocol depends on numerous factors, the most important being the physical architecture that will be used. Fusion-based quantum computing (FBQC) with a photonic physical architecture provides a large degree of flexibility in designing fault tolerant protocols. In this project we will study different aspects of fault tolerant protocols in FBQC, including making use of a new generation of quantum error-correcting codes.

For more information, contact the project supervisor: Prof Andrew Doherty
This project would suit: A student with an interest in mathematical and analytical problems, and a background in physics, mathematics, or related areas. Some experience with numerical methods would also be beneficial.
PhD,
Quantum Optimisation and Quantum Signal Processing with Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)
Prof Jingbo Wang, Ugo Varetto, Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre
This project is part of the ARC Training Centre Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program (FLiQC).

This project explores the development and application of quantum algorithms to tackle complex optimisation problems and enhance signal processing tasks. By leveraging the unique properties of quantum systems, such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum interference, the project aims to achieve computational advantages over classical approaches.

In quantum optimisation, we investigate quantum-enhanced methods for solving combinatorial and continuous optimisation problems relevant to logistics, finance, and engineering. In quantum signal processing, we design and analyse algorithms that enable efficient transformation, filtering, and analysis of signals using quantum circuits, with potential applications in enhanced medical imaging, advanced communication, and geophysical exploration.

For more information, contact the project supervisor: Prof Jingbo Wang
This project would suit: a student with a strong theoretical background in mathematics and practical knowledge of quantum computing. Prior experience with quantum algorithms is highly beneficial.
PhD,
Quantum control for trapped-ion quantum computers with Q-CTRL (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)
Dr Ting Rei Tan, Dr Michael Hush, Industry placement with Q-CTRL
This project is part of the ARC Training Centre Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program (FLiQC).

This project aims to innovate quantum control strategies to accelerate the large-scale utility of quantum computers. The focus is on enabling a new suite of quantum control that will significantly reduce the quantum hardware resources and allow low-error processing of quantum information.

This will be achieved by developing advanced dynamical modulation techniques that incorporate light-atom Hamiltonian engineering, leveraging machine learning techniques and insights from atomic and optical physics.

For more information, contact the project supervisor: Dr Ting Rei Tan
PhD,
Quantum machine learning, optimisation and simulation for Defence applications with Defence Science and Technology Group (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)
A/Prof Troy Lee, Dr Ben Travaglione, Industry placement with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG)
This project is part of the ARC Training Centre Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program (FLiQC).

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join an exciting research project at the cutting edge of quantum computing. This project will explore the application of quantum machine learning, quantum optimisation, and quantum simulation to high-impact problems applicable to the defence sector.

A central goal of this research is to identify and develop quantum algorithms capable of delivering super-quadratic speedups over the best known classical approaches, whether for finding exact solutions or high-quality approximations. You will investigate novel algorithmic frameworks, conduct rigorous theoretical analysis, and assess the real-world feasibility of these methods for defence-relevant use cases.

For more information, contact the project supervisor: A/Prof Troy Lee
This project would suit: Students with a strong background in mathematics and/or theoretical computer science.
PhD,

Research projects on offer

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Complexity and universality in quantum scattering and sampling with PsiQuantum (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)

Design of fault-tolerant protocols with PsiQuantum (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)

Quantum Optimisation and Quantum Signal Processing with Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)

Quantum control for trapped-ion quantum computers with Q-CTRL (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)

Quantum machine learning, optimisation and simulation for Defence applications with Defence Science and Technology Group (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)

Research projects on offer

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General search and filters

Filter by University

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Complexity and universality in quantum scattering and sampling with PsiQuantum (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)

Design of fault-tolerant protocols with PsiQuantum (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)

Quantum Optimisation and Quantum Signal Processing with Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)

Quantum control for trapped-ion quantum computers with Q-CTRL (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)

Quantum machine learning, optimisation and simulation for Defence applications with Defence Science and Technology Group (Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Program)