PhD Studentship: Complex structure in Quantum Dynamics

Application deadline: 07/01/2026
Research theme: Theoretical Physics, Quantum Theory, Quantum Information, Applied Mathematics
How to apply: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

UK only

This 3.5 yearlong PhD project is fully funded for UK students and EU students with settled status. The successful candidate will receive a tax free stipend based on the UKVI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26 and tuition fees will be paid.

The start date is October 2026. We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Dr Thomas Elliott’s research uses quantum information theory to address the question:
What makes a quantum system ‘complex’ – and how can we harness this complexity?

Even the smallest of quantum systems can give rise to seemingly complex behaviours. While this can make such systems hard to model with classical computers, it presents a valuable opportunity – to use quantum technologies to efficiently model and simulate other complex systems. Recent focus has been on how we can more efficiently model structured dynamics, such as non-Markovian stochastic processes, and adaptive agents that react to environmental stimuli.

The successful candidate will explore this structure, to understand how we can characterise and quantify it, and moreover, leverage it for beneficial uses.

Potential project directions include:
Identifying and characterising the features of complex structure in quantum dynamics, and/or developing techniques for their efficient simulation.

• Exploring the interplay between quantum memory advantages and increased thermal efficiency in stochastic simulation and developing their applications.
• Using machine learning and related tools to enhance quantum memory advantages in stochastic simulation.
• Using advanced tensor network techniques to enhance the modelling of complex, memoryful open quantum systems.

This project would suit a student with a strong interest in quantum information theory and/or quantum foundations. The work will be mostly analytical, with scope for a significant numerical/computational element. Students will develop a strong background in quantum information theory, and one or more of: open quantum systems; quantum stochastic processes; tensor networks; quantum thermodynamics; and quantum machine learning.

https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/thomas.elliott/
https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=sDInixMAAAAJ [scholar.google.co.uk]

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 1st class honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

To apply, please contact the main supervisor, Dr Thomas Elliott (thomas.elliott@manchester.ac.uk). Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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