Experimental Photonics and Quantum Sensing

About the Project

Overview of the Research:

We invite applications for a fully funded (not competitively funded) 4-year PhD studentship in experimental photonics and quantum sensing, based in the Department of Physics at the University of Bath, with a start date of 1 October 2026. The studentship is supported through an EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

The project will explore novel optical and quantum approaches to precision measurement, with a particular focus on structured light and interferometric techniques. The research sits at the intersection of photonics, quantum optics, and metrology, and aims to push the boundaries of how physical phenomena can be measured in both real and phase space.

This is a fully experimental PhD project, carried out in recently built laboratory space with a high environmental and technical specification. While the overall project theme is defined, the specific research direction will be shaped by the student’s interests and strengths.

In this PhD, you will:

• Design, build, and characterise advanced optical and interferometric systems for precision measurement
• Work experimentally with lasers, structured light, and photonic instrumentation, including hands-on data acquisition and analysis
• Develop expertise in experimental quantum optics, metrology, and noise-limited measurement techniques, with exposure to both academic and applied research environments

The studentship includes a 3-month industrial placement with Dstl. There is scope for longer or multiple visits during the PhD, depending on project needs and student interests.

The successful applicant will be supported to present their research at national and international conferences and to contribute to peer-reviewed publications in leading journals, in line with the progress of the project. Participation in conference poster and oral sessions, including competition for best-poster or best-presentation awards, is considered a normal and supported part of our team’s professional development.

You can learn more about our research environment and team culture here: https://people.bath.ac.uk/vkv23/English/a-Team-Culture.html

About the university of Bath: In the 2025 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES), the University of Bath’s postgraduate researchers were ranked 9^th in the UK with an overall satisfaction score of 87 %.

Candidate Requirements:

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Due to the nature of this project, we are only able to consider candidates that have UK nationality.

Enquiries and Applications:

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Professor Ventsislav Valev

Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Physics prior to the closing date of this advert.

IMPORTANT:

When completing the application form:

1. In the Funding your studies section, select ‘EPSRC-DTG’ as the studentship for which you are applying.
2. In the Your PhD project section, quote the project title of this project and the name of the lead supervisor in the appropriate boxes.

Failure to complete these two steps will cause delays in processing your application and may cause you to miss the deadline.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

PLEASE BE AWARE: Applications for this project may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore recommend that you contact the lead supervisor prior to applying and submit your formal application as early as possible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

Funding Notes

Candidates will be considered for a studentship tenable for 4 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend that will be enhanced above the standard UKRI rate (£20,780 p/a in 2025/6) and access to a training support budget.