Research Studentship: Controlling Errors in Quantum Computers

University of Oxford - Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford

Research Studentship in Quantum Computation

3.5-year D.Phil. studentship

Project: Controlling Errors in Quantum Computers

Supervisors: Dr Zhenyu Cai, Prof. Dominic O’Brien

This DPhil project will focus on the single most pressing challenge in quantum computation: errors in these machines. The goal is to develop a "full-stack" approach to quantum error suppression, integrating strategies across all layers of the quantum computation stack.

This research will explore the powerful and synergistic combination of Quantum Error Correction (QEC) and Quantum Error Mitigation (QEM) to pave the way toward noise-resilient and fault-tolerant quantum computation. The project will involve developing novel theoretical frameworks, designing new error suppression schemes, and validating them through numerical simulation. The work is highly interdisciplinary, connecting abstract theory to practical hardware constraints and real-world applications. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the critical goal of achieving practical quantum advantage.

The student will benefit from Oxford’s vibrant quantum research environment, with opportunities for close collaboration with researchers across different departments and also under the Oxford Quantum Hub and Oxford Quantum Institute. Although theory-focused, the studentship encourages engagement with experimental partners, including those in industry.

Eligibility

This studentship is funded through the Department of Engineering Science and is open to both home students (full award – home fees plus stipend) and overseas students (partial award – course fees covered partially at home rate, plus

Award Value

Course fees are covered at the level set for UK students (at least £10,070 p.a.). Please note that Overseas students are responsible for paying the difference in Home fees and Overseas fees, for the first year this difference is expected to be £24,230 and is likely to be at least this amount for a further two years. The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is at least £20,780 p.a. for the first year, and at least this amount for a further two and half years.

Candidate Requirements

Prospective candidates will be judged according to how well they meet the following criteria:

• A first class or strong upper second-class undergraduate honours degree in Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or related disciplines.
• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills
• Being passionate about science, curious, and self-driven.

It is desirable if candidates have experience in any of the following areas:

• Theoretical quantum computation and information
• Quantum computation software packages like Qiskit, QuEST, or Cirq.
• Quantum hardware.

Application Procedure

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Dr Zhenyu Cai (zhenyu.cai@eng.ox.ac.uk).

Candidates must submit a graduate application form and are expected to meet the graduate admissions criteria. Details are available on the course page of the University website.

Please quote 26ENGINF_ZC in all correspondence and in your graduate application.

Application deadline: noon on 2 December 2025 (In line with the University admissions deadline set by the University)

Start date: October 2026