Why you shouldn’t let fear hold you back from a PhD

Reading SQA PhD candidate Lucija Grba’s career trajectory at face value, it’s hard to imagine she ever had any doubts about applying her considerable talents to pursuing a PhD.  

Not only does she work as a research associate for one of Australia’s leading quantum companies, Diraq, alongside her studies; her PhD research is so critical to untapping quantum computing’s potential that both Diraq and CSIRO have helped shape her research project.  

“I was initially afraid to start my PhD journey because I felt that I wasn’t knowledgeable enough,” Lucija recalls. 

“It was surprising to realise that PhD students are also just human. No one is an expert in everything, but each of us have the potential to become an expert in something.” 

From the abstract to the quantum world 

Looking back, she highlights a particularly inspiring lecture in her bachelor’s degree in mathematics as the launchpad for her passion for quantum.  

“I'd always loved pure, abstract mathematics, and the quantum world felt like a natural extension of that,” she explains. 

“I found it fascinating how seemingly abstract ideas could describe physical systems so precisely, leading to surprising consequences, such as entanglement.” 

Fast forward five years, she’s now actively shaping the future of quantum research through her PhD at UNSW Sydney, under the supervision of Dr Andre Saraiva and backed by a Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA) PhD Scholarship.  

Refining our understanding of quantum’s ‘signal’ 

Lucija’s research investigates noise characterisation in silicon spin qubits – essentially, trying to determine what causes the disturbances that make a quantum bit (qubit) lose information or make mistakes. This question lies at the heart of understanding how to best harness quantum’s unique characteristics and apply them to creating incredibly powerful quantum computers.  

“You can think of it like having poor phone signal. The signal is still there, it's just that your reception isn't great – you might need to move slightly until you find a spot with better coverage,” said Lucija. 

“Knowing why your reception is poor helps you figure out exactly what you need to do to fix it.  

“That's essentially what noise characterisation does for quantum computing: it helps us understand exactly what's disrupting the ‘signal’, so we can find ways to improve it.” 

A stepping stone towards future quantum computers 

Responding to this challenge is an essential component of developing fault-tolerant, commercial scale quantum computers in coming years. By informing noise mitigation and correction strategies, Lucija’s work could help improve the performance and reliability of qubit and gate fidelities. Ultimately, this line of research inquiry is focused on a simple premise: building greater trust. 

“In simple terms, it could help us understand what we need to do to better trust the outcomes of our computations when using quantum computers,” said Lucija. 

“This trust is essential for building scalable architectures, necessary for real-world applications with genuine impact. 

“I’m honoured to have access to experts in the field from Diraq and CSIRO that guide me in my research.” 

Broadening horizons and building networks 

When she’s not running simulations, developing theories or considering ways to verify experiments, Lucija enjoys the “humbling experience” of collaborating with quantum experimentalists from across SQA’s multidisciplinary PhD cohort. 

“It’s a constant reminder of how much more there is to learn,” she said. 

“Being part of a large research group, I have access to a breadth of knowledge from my experienced colleagues. Someone is always happy to help, so I'm never left feeling stuck for too long.  

“It's also nice being surrounded by a large group of peers who are going through the same PhD journey.”  

It’s this collegiate environment that initially attracted Lucija to joining SQA – a long way from her home country of Croatia. Initially enamoured with Sydney as a “gorgeous holiday destination”, Lucija has stayed for her PhD to take advantage of the city’s healthy quantum ecosystem, supported by SQA and its partnerships with four Sydney universities.  

“I’m happy to have the opportunity to attend classes at any of these universities thanks to SQA,” she said.  

“I enjoy attending SQA events. The seminars allow me to learn about what other students are working on in areas of quantum research that don't necessarily relate to my own, which helps me better understand how my work fits into the broader field.” 

Having exclusive access to professional development training through SQA’s PhD Experience Program has also equipped Lucija with greater confidence to consider potential post-study careers in the quantum industry.  

“The SQA workshops have been useful for honing practical skills that future quantum scientists should have, as well as identifying the paths and opportunities available to us after graduation,” she said. 

Leaning into your own expertise 

For anyone at a crossroads wondering if a PhD is the right fit for them, Lucija’s story is a good reminder of the opportunities quantum research affords – especially as a way to carve out your own expertise in an exciting and fast-changing field. 

“A PhD gives you the unique opportunity to research what you enjoy most and become an expert in it,” she said. 

“Since quantum is an ever-evolving field, your research can genuinely shape a role that's defined around your own expertise.  

“And as an independent researcher in-training, you can guide your research in a way that satisfies your curiosity – and ultimately leads to a job that doesn't feel like one.” 

Find out more about our PhD scholarship programs. Or search our database of more than 100 quantum experts working on quantum technologies in Sydney who are available to supervise PhD students.