PhD and Postdoc Opportunities in Quantum Algorithms for Sustainability and Decarbonisation The University of Queensland in Australia

PhD and postdoctoral opportunities are available in quantum algorithms for sustainability and decarbonisation at The University of Queensland, within the Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance (QDA) and the broader QUBIC ecosystem.

The research direction is highly interdisciplinary and sits at the intersection of quantum computing, quantum algorithms, distributed algorithms, quantum sensing, environmental science, and application-driven work in sustainability and decarbonisation. The QDA focuses on research themes including Green Hydrogen & Agriculture, Electricity & Batteries, and Resources & Carbon Sequestration, with projects spanning quantum algorithms, quantum chemistry, and materials science.

The PhD project highlighted in the post is “Designing distributed quantum-enhanced algorithms”. It is supervised by Professor Eleanor Rieffel and Dr Riddhi Gupta in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The research environment emphasizes quantum circuit simulation, quantum resource estimation, HPC, and open-source quantum software, with strong links to industry and the QDA network.

Funding: the PhD project is supported by a Research project scholarship that includes a $37,500 per annum tax-free stipend (2026 rate, indexed annually), tuition fees covered, and a $10,000 per annum top-up for up to four years.

Eligibility/preferences: applicants are assessed competitively on academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history. Useful background includes algorithms, distributed algorithms, quantum computing, an application domain, quantum circuit simulation tools, quantum resource estimation tools, and HPC.

How to apply: submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the PhD program by 11 June 2026. In the EOI, indicate that you are applying for an advertised project and use scholarship code QUANTUM-GUPTA. You do not need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. For questions about fit, contact Professor Eleanor Rieffel at [email protected].