PhD in Engineering Quantum Photonic Simulators for Complex Open Quantum Systems University of Southampton in United Kingdom

PhD opportunity at the University of Southampton in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences on engineering quantum photonic simulators for complex open quantum systems. The project is supervised by Professor Marian Florescu and focuses on quantum photonics, open quantum systems, quantum mechanics, quantum transport, decoherence, non-Markovian dynamics, and nanophotonic reservoir engineering.

You will develop theoretical and computational frameworks for quantum emitters coupled to structured photonic environments. The research explores photonic crystals, hyperuniform and correlated disordered structures, coupled resonators, and other engineered electromagnetic platforms to reproduce the spectral and dynamical properties of complex quantum systems. The aim is to connect realistic nanophotonic structures with target quantum dynamics and to support experimentally accessible tabletop quantum simulators.

The project combines large-scale electromagnetic simulations with open quantum-system theory. It is especially relevant to students interested in computational physics, optical physics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, and scientific programming. Possible application areas include quantum-biological systems, many-body systems with structured dissipation, decoherence, information backflow, and coherence preservation.

Funding: competition-funded PhD project with opportunities for UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers may cover overseas fee differences for qualifying students, Presidential Bursaries may cover fee differences for top-ranked applicants, and school studentships may cover UK tuition plus a living-cost stipend. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged.

Entry requirements: UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in physics, photonics, electrical/electronic engineering, applied mathematics, or a closely related discipline. Numerical modelling and scientific programming experience are essential; quantum mechanics, quantum optics, open quantum systems, photonics, Python, C/C++, Julia, MATLAB, computational electromagnetics, or HPC are desirable.

How to apply: Apply through the University of Southampton postgraduate research portal. Select Research, 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, then Full time or Part time, search for programme PhD ORC (7097), and add the supervisor name in section 2. Upload your CV, two academic references, transcripts/certificates, and English language qualification if applicable.