PhD Studentship: Building Heterogenous Quantum-Dot–Atom Repeaters: Photon Generation, Storage and Conversion for Quantum Networks

Application deadline: 01/12/2026
Research theme: Quantum communication, condensed matter, quantum optics
How to apply: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

This 3.5 year PhD project is fully funded; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive and annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is January 2027. 

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Long-distance quantum communication is limited by photon loss in optical fibre. Heterogeneous quantum repeaters that combine deterministic III–V quantum-dot (QD) sources with room-temperature alkali-vapour memories offer a practical route to high-rate, fibre-compatible networks (Zajac et al., arXiv:2503.13775). This architecture underpinned Dr Joanna Zajac’s U.S. Department of Energy Early Career Research Award, and this PhD is a direct continuation of that programme.

The project will develop hybrid QD–Rb interfaces for frequency conversion and subsequent storage of single photons in warm rubidium vapour. High-quality epitaxial III–V sources from established collaborators will provide the photonic input; the student will build and characterise the QD–vapour interface itself, and characterize it using quantum-optical methods. Theory and modelling of EIT and four-wave mixing will guide the experiments, alongside group work on nanophotonic design.

The student will work across device fabrication, cryogenic QD optics and atomic-vapour experiments, gaining hands-on experience in optical-setup design, III–V semiconductor physics, atomic physics, quantum optics and numerical modelling. The research targets scalable components for quantum networks and sensing, with regular interaction with partners in the UK, Europe and the US. Part of the project sits within a University of Manchester initiative on deployed testing of quantum telecommunications over metro-links led by Dr Zajac, giving the work a direct path from bench-top physics to applied network trials.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline. We are looking for a motivated candidate with genuine curiosity about the research area and the drive to take a project forward independently.

To apply, please contact the main supervisor, Dr Joanna  Zajac - joanna.zajac@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.