PhD Scholarship: Quantum verification of macroscopic properties in many body systems | University of Technology Sydney
The ARC Training Centre for Future Leaders in Quantum Computing (FLiQC), in partnership with Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA) and participating universities, is pleased to announce a number of industry ready PhD Scholarships available to suitably qualified and successful applicants.
These scholarships are open to domestic and international students who will enrol full time in a PhD program at one of the participating universities: The University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, or Macquarie University.
Quantum verification of macroscopic properties in many body systems at The University of Technology Sydney
This project investigates a foundational question in quantum science: how macroscopic properties of many body systems can be identified using information produced by a quantum computer. While modern quantum algorithms can efficiently prepare simplified models of materials, far less is known about how to determine high level physical behaviours from these quantum states using feasible measurements.
The project focuses on formulating and analysing decision problems related to detecting macroscopic properties. Superconductivity will serve as an initial example, but the project is not tied to any particular physical system or technological application. The overarching aim is to better understand the measurement complexity of quantum systems at a conceptual level.
The PhD candidate will:
• develop idealised mathematical models of selected macroscopic phenomena,
• define quantum oracles for preparing relevant many body states,
• construct measurement or decision procedures suitable for a quantum algorithmic setting, and
• analyse the complexity of these procedures relative to classical approaches.
The project includes natural flexibility, allowing adjustments to focus more on theory, modelling, or algorithm design depending on the candidate’s interests and progression.
This project would suit:A student with broad, balanced exposure to quantum physics, advanced mathematics, and theoretical computer science, rather than deep specialisation in a single area. The ideal candidate is comfortable integrating ideas across disciplines and has demonstrated the ability to work at the intersection of physical modelling and computational reasoning. Prior experience in quantum computing is helpful but not essential.
Project supervisor Dr Yuval Sanders at University of Technology Sydney. Industry placement at CSIRO
Details of the Scholarship
The scholarship is for up to 4 years of full-time study and includes:
• Student stipend: A$42,754 per annum (2026 rate, indexed annually)
• Substantive engagement with our industry partners as a core component of the PhD
• Access to an industry-ready skills training program provided by the ARC Training Centre
• Entry to the SQA PhD Experience Program events and workshops.
Eligibility Requirements
Scholarships are open to domestic and international applicants.
• Domestic students include Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, or persons entitled to remain in Australia without limitation.
• International students must hold, or be able to obtain, a valid visa for the duration of the scholarship.
Applicants must:
• Hold or be eligible for admission to a full time PhD program at an FLiQC partner university
• Have a PhD offer of admission before an FLiQC scholarship can be awarded
• Have the support of the proposed project supervisor prior to applying
• Not hold another primary PhD stipend scholarship (e.g. RTP or equivalent)
To find our more and apply visit: https://sydneyquantum.org/program/future-leaders-in-quantum-computing-sc…
About University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
UTS is home to strategic research initiatives such as the UTS Centre for Quantum Software and Information (QSI).
QSI is Australia’s leading research centre focussed on the software and information processing infrastructure for quantum technologies. Researchers and PhD students work with industrial and academic partners across the entire quantum software stack: from developing new methods to design and program quantum algorithms and applications; to perfecting the quantum control and error correction routines used by experimental teams such as those using UTS’ new Millikelvin Quantum Science Laboratory. UTS also conducts quantum technology research through its nodes of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS), including the UTS research group ‘Quantum Materials and Devices’.