[School of Natural Sciences PhD Scholarships] Spatiotemporal Quantum Correlations

e.g., which correlations, causal structures (including indefinite causal order), and physical processes are consistent with quantum mechanics, and which are not.

These themes are connected by a common toolkit: the framework of higher-order quantum operations, encompassing quantum combs, process tensors, and process matrices. Rather than describing single transformations of quantum states, this framework captures how entire quantum processes can be combined, probed, and controlled, making it applicable across all three research directions.

The specific direction taken will depend on the student's interests, and may involve, e.g., determining the resource requirements for functional quantum transformations, developing practical methods to detect and mitigate non-Markovian noise in near-term devices, or establishing new no-go results that clarify the boundaries of quantum theory. Methodologically, the project will combine analytical work (proving theorems, deriving bounds) with computational approaches such as convex and semidefinite optimisation, tensor-network methods, and numerical simulation of open quantum systems.

Anticipated outcomes include new theorems and bounds, practical protocols for benchmarking and mitigating noise in near-term quantum devices, and a deeper understanding of the structure of quantum theory itself. These are expected to be disseminated as peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations and, where appropriate, as open-source software, of relevance both to foundational questions in physics and to the development of quantum technologies such as computing, sensing, and communication.

The student will be supported through regular individual supervision meetings, alongside weekly group meetings and journal clubs that provide early exposure to the current literature and to open research problems. They will join an active research group with links to national and international collaborators, creating opportunities for research visits, joint projects, and co-authored papers. Additional pastoral and wellbeing support is available through the university's standard postgraduate support structures.

Training will be provided in the theoretical and computational techniques underpinning higher-order quantum operations. More broadly, the student will develop core academic skills, including scientific writing, conference presentation, and peer review, and will have opportunities to gain experience in undergraduate teaching and public engagement. This is supported by the university's doctoral training programme, which typically offers further transferable-skills training alongside funding for conference attendance and research visits. There will also be ample chance for collaboration with groups in Japan, France, Austria, and UK.

This project is expected to start in September 2027.

Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.

How to apply:

To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships. If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.

When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.

We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.

Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent). Previous research experience in quantum information theory is desirable.

This project will remain open until filled.

If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.

If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.

Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.

Funding Notes

Funding covers tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year), and a research training support grant of up to £2,500 per year for the full 3.5-year programme.