The ability to deterministically dope isotopically selected single impurity ion into systems such as (isotopically enriched) Si, SiGe, diamond and 2D materials is a pressing requirement for the development of spin and photonic-based quantum technologies. Our work at Manchester has established us as an international leader in this aim, having demonstrated single-ion 121Sb and 123Sb doping. This project will focus on developing new methods to advance the efficiency of this process to yield impurity ion centres on demand for qubit and single photon source devices. Novel detection methods well be developed and trialled initially utilising the Platform for Nanoscale Advanced Materials Engineering Facility. These will then be translated to the recently funded Advanced Materials Enrichment and Synthesis tool with a focus on scaling device fabrication. Validation of single-ion doping through the utilisation of advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques will be undertaken. These will include assisting the development of machine learning methodologies utilising the world’s first tool of its type. We will push this technology to its limits off sensitivity prior to seeking to gain direct evidence of isotopic doping based on the utilisation of SuperSTEM. Success in this project will:

- Unlock the ability to create large arrays (~1 million) of isotopically selected ions as the basis for a fully error-corrected quantum computer;

- Provide unique sample sets for training next generation AI-assisted TEM spectroscopy;

- Provide the candidate with a training experience on two of the world’s most advanced tools for nanoscale engineering;

- Equip the candidate with the skills required to develop a future career as a leading independent research in materials for quantum technologies;

- Uniquely place the candidate in a position to play a leading role in the translation and exploitation of research in a critical emerging technology area.

Eligibility

Applicants are expected to hold, or about to obtain, a minimum upper second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a physical sciences or engineering subject.

Funding

This 3.5 year PhD project is a Photon Science Institute studentship. The successful candidate will receive tuition fees and an annual tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25). The start date is 1st October 2025. The funding is for home and overseas. This advert will be removed once the position has been filled so we encourage applicants to apply early.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. 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.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [email protected] .

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

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