Entanglement generation with quantum dots
About Us
The Beyond Binary Quantum Information (BBQ) Lab is led by Prof. Mehul Malik and consists of a dynamic team of researchers working at the forefront of the quantum technology revolution. You will conduct your research in the extensive photonics laboratory facilities of the BBQ Lab, which is funded by generous grants from the European Research Council (ERC), the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The BBQ Lab has significant links to leading groups in the EU/North America, and is a member of two UK National Quantum Technology Hubs (IQN/Integrated Quantum Networks and QuSIT/Quantum Sensing, Imaging, and Timing). In addition, we have an ongoing partnership with the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Caltech that includes access to state-of-the-art superconducting detector technology being developed at JPL. For more details on our research, please have a look at our recent publications.
Project Description
This is a four-year PhD position aligned with the ERC grant QUEST (Quantum Photonics in Space and Time), hosted in the Beyond Binary Quantum Information (BBQ) Lab at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. The PhD project will develop methods for the coherent control and manipulation of multiple quantum dots using spatially structured light, and harness their potential as efficient sources of high-quality single photons. The project will build significantly on our work on quantum information processing with spatially structured quantum light to develop a new platform for ultrabright entanglement generation.
During this project, you will develop significant expertise in theoretical and experimental quantum information science, with specific skills in programming, experimental quantum photonics, and condensed matter physics. Throughout the project, you will have the opportunity to develop your communication skills and build your network through international/UK collaborative projects, publication of peer-reviewed papers, and presentations at UK/EU meetings and workshops. This position comes with the potential to travel and present your work at leading international conferences in the field.
Requirements
- Good understanding of quantum physics and photonics
- Enthusiasm for experimental work
- Background in Physics, Optics, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences (or any enthusiastic applicant with a science-related background)
- Top-class degree/high grades in your field of study are essential
Funding
- Open to all nationalities
- Supported by a European Research Council (ERC) grant
- Includes funding to cover UK Visa costs, including the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge
- Annual tax-free stipend of approximately £21,383 (predicted UKRI level 2025/26), adjusted yearly for inflation
- Research-grade laptop provided
- Access to £3000 of departmental funds for travel to conferences and workshops
- Significant additional funds for attending national and international conferences are available from BBQLab
Application Details
- Closing date: February 15th, 2026
- Start date: From October 1st, 2026 (flexible, ideally January 1st, 2027)
- Formal applications must be made through the Heriot-Watt online application system
- Please upload a cover letter, CV, and academic transcripts onto the application system (under "Supplemental items")
- Please arrange for one academic reference to be submitted via the application system ("External reference request"). A second academic reference will be requested at interview stage
- Under "Research Project Information," please indicate which of the two PhD studentships you are applying to. If you are interested in both, please indicate your preference
- We especially encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics and Engineering
- Informal enquiries may be made to Dr. Suraj Goel at s.goel(at)hw.ac.uk