PhD Studentship: Building Heterogenous Quantum-Dot–Atom Repeaters: Photon Generation, Storage and Conversion for Quantum Networks
Overview
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manchester is offering a fully funded 3.5-year PhD project on building heterogeneous quantum-dot and atom repeaters, covering photon generation, storage and conversion for quantum networks. Long-distance quantum communication is limited by photon loss in optical fibre. Heterogeneous quantum repeaters that pair deterministic III-V quantum-dot sources with room-temperature alkali-vapour memories offer a practical route to high-rate, fibre-compatible networks. The architecture underpinned Dr Joanna Zajac's US Department of Energy Early Career Research Award, and this PhD is a direct continuation of that programme.
The student will develop hybrid quantum-dot and rubidium interfaces for frequency conversion and storage of single photons in warm rubidium vapour. Established collaborators will supply high-quality epitaxial III-V sources, while the student builds and characterises the interface itself using quantum-optical methods, guided by theory and modelling of electromagnetically induced transparency and four-wave mixing and by group work on nanophotonic design. The work spans device fabrication, cryogenic quantum-dot optics and atomic-vapour experiments, giving hands-on experience in optical-setup design, III-V semiconductor physics, atomic physics, quantum optics and numerical modelling. Part of the project sits within a Manchester initiative on deployed testing of quantum telecommunications over metro links, giving a path from bench-top physics to network trials.
Who can apply
Students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate can apply. Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a Master's, or an international equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering discipline, along with real curiosity about the area and the drive to take a project forward independently.
What you get
The successful candidate receives an annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate, £21,805 for 2026/27, and tuition fees are paid. The stipend is expected to rise each year.
How to apply
Applicants contact the main supervisor, Dr Joanna Zajac, giving their current level of study, academic background, relevant experience and a paragraph on their motivation. Early applications are recommended because the advert may be removed before the deadline.
Key dates
The application deadline is 1 December 2026, and the start date is January 2027.
Links in this posting
- 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.
- 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.