Qubit efficient quantum optimization and applications to industrial problems

About the Project

Supervisors:

Dimitrios Angelakis d.angelakis@southampton.ac.uk

This project, within the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton (https://qte.ac.uk), carries a UKRI TechExpert enhanced annual stipend around £31k for UK students. While researching the project outlined below you will also receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.

Project Description:

The main challenge in the adoption of quantum computing is the gap between algorithmic requirements and current quantum hardware. In this project, you will codevelop novel qubit efficient quantum approaches and techniques that can be used to solve optimization problems and apply them to logistics, pharma, transport, or manufacturing industries.

The research will have both fundamental and applied science components. The former concerns the development, and benchmarking of the algorithms developed in classical emulators, cloud quantum computers or directly in collaboration with collaborating experimental teams; the latter will focus on translating the findings into quantum software applications Combinatorial binary optimization problems are known to be hard for classical computers. Quantum solutions based on quantum digital, annealing or variational algorithms promise to solve such problems faster and more efficiently. However, the requirements in the number of physical qubits needed to implement these algorithms are still beyond the reach of any near-term quantum processors. Here you will be working on novel, physics inspired quantum algorithms, allowing for much larger problems to be tackled with near term quantum processors. These will be applied to a range of industrial use cases from optimizing of shipping routes, to financial optimization, aviation and energy management. We are seeking curious minds with a solid foundation in the physical, engineering or mathematical sciences. Previous exposure to quantum algorithm or programming courses will be a plus but not necessary. The project will include funded visits to collaborating groups in the Centre for Quantum Technologies Singapore, Greece, as well as leading theoretical and experimental teams in the US, Asia and the EU.

• Qubit efficient quantum algorithms for the vehicle routing problem on quantum computers of the NISQ era, Summary at https://www.quantulah.org/about/highlight/2024-06-vehicle-routing-efficient-qubits
• Exponential Qubit Reduction in Optimization for Financial Transaction Settlement. Summary at https://www.cqt.sg/highlight/2024-10-algorithm-financial-transactions-qubits/

For more information, please contact the supervisor: Dimitrios Angelakis d.angelakis@southampton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements:

Undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent).

Closing Date:

31 July 2026. International applicants must apply before 31 March 2026.

Funding:

See funding notes below.

How to Apply:

Please apply via the online portal and select:

• Programme type: Research
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences

Search for programme PhD Quantum Tech Eng

Please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts/ certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity and give full consideration to applicants seeking part-time study. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.