Entanglement generation with quantum dots

About the Project

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.

Motivation

Entangled photons play a critical role in next-generation quantum technologies ranging from distributed quantum computing systems to device-independent quantum key distribution. However, generating photonic entanglement in an efficient, on-demand manner is extremely difficult. Deterministic sources of single-photons such as semiconductor quantum dots offer a promising pathway towards generating ultrabright entanglement. However, state-of-the-art demonstrations have relied on multiplexing many photons from a single quantum dot, significantly limiting their use in scalable quantum technologies for computing and communication.

What You Will Gain

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.

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.

Requirements

• Good understanding of quantum physics and photonics
• Enthusiasm for experimental work
• Background in one of the following disciplines (ideally): Physics, Optics, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences (open to any enthusiastic applicant with a science-related background)
• Top-class degree/high grades in your field of study are essential

Funding

• Position is 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 available from BBQLab

Application Details

• Applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics are especially encouraged
• Flexibility in starting dates, but ideally starting on 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
• Closing date: February 15th, 2026

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be made to Dr. Suraj Goel at s.goel(at)hw.ac.uk.