PhD Studentship - Universal Layered Triple-Route Architecture for Heterogeneous Quantum-Classical Security

Quantum computers are on the horizon that could break the encryption protecting our banks, hospitals, and national infrastructure. This fully funded, part-time PhD studentship offers the chance to help build the next generation of communication security, before that threat arrives. You’ll develop ULTRA, a novel “Trinity” security framework that combines three independent forms of protection: a quantum channel, post-quantum mathematics, and traditional classical security, into a single, unified encryption key. Crucially, the system is expected to work with the infrastructure organisations already have, rather than requiring costly new hardware. 

Working within a multidisciplinary supervisory team spanning quantum, post-quantum and classical cryptography, you’ll gain hands-on experience in an area of real strategic importance. You’ll also deliver undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in cyber security, developing valuable academic experience alongside your research.

Objectives

This project aims to develop a unified security framework that combines quantum, post-quantum, and classical cryptography into a single, highly resilient system. The objectives are to:

• Design a universal model capable of integrating quantum key distribution methods and embedding post-quantum cryptographic techniques within the framework.
• Develop a synchronisation mechanism to combine multiple, differently-paced security “streams” into one coordinated system without introducing vulnerabilities.
• Formally prove the system’s security, showing that compromising any single route or intermediate point yields no usable information to an attacker.

Funding

These are doctoral teaching assistant positions that combine a PhD programme with a university teaching contract. Your time will be split approximately 60% on research and 40% on teaching. This provides excellent preparation for candidates considering an academic career at a university. The teaching component will typically run over the 22 teaching weeks per year and the 4 assessment weeks. You will help deliver an outstanding student experience by supporting lead academics with classroom and lab teaching and assessment, further building the skills developed within your PhD research programme. 

The position is grade 6 with a current salary of £31,236 and includes payment of home PhD tuition fees for the duration of the 6-year award. Home students can apply. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Candidate requirements

Applicants should have a strong undergraduate (ideally Master’s) degree in computer science, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Essential

• A solid foundation in at least one of cryptography, network security, post-quantum or quantum cryptography, with enthusiasm to build expertise across all three.
• Good mathematical and analytical skills.
• Programming experience (such as Python, MATLAB, or similar) for simulation-based research, or be willing to develop this during the PhD.

How to apply

If you have any questions, contact the principal supervisor, Dr Masoud Ghalaii. 

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a part time PhD in Computing & Digital Technology.

Please complete the Doctoral Project Applicant Form, and include your CV and a covering letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience map to the aims and objectives of the project, the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

Please upload these documents in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal or send them to the PGR Admissions team at pgradmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

Please quote the reference: SciEng-DTA Jan 2027-MG-ULTRA4HQCS

Application link: PhD Computing and Digital Technology — six years part-time