PhD in Quantum AI and Digital Transformation at University College Dublin University College Dublin in Ireland

PhD opportunity in Quantum AI and Digital Transformation at University College Dublin (UCD), in collaboration with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC).

The project focuses on Quantum AI, including quantum machine learning and/or quantum optimization, with applications to digital transformation, policy-making, and societal/economic impact assessment. Example use cases include game-theoretical micro-economic analyses and broader studies of how quantum-enabled methods may support evidence-based decision-making in the European Union.

The successful candidate will be based across UCD School of Computer Science / C-QuEST in Dublin and the JRC Digital Economy and Society Unit in Ispra, Italy. The PhD is a four-year programme with periods spent at both institutions.

Funding: tuition fees are waived; the scholarship includes a tax-free stipend of €25,000/year while at UCD, a JRC Grantholder contract with a gross salary of around €45,000/year while in Italy, plus a travel budget and a new computer. Teaching/demonstration duties may provide additional income.

Eligibility: applicants should have a 2.1 or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Physics, or a cognate discipline; experience in ML, AI, and/or quantum technologies; strong programming skills in Python, C, or C++; and ideally familiarity with Qiskit, PennyLane, or similar tools. Game-theoretic modelling and micro-economics are advantageous. Excellent English is required. Non-native speakers generally need IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component, though the IELTS requirement is waived for graduates from a degree in Ireland or in English.

Additional JRC conditions: candidates must be EU citizens or have been ordinarily resident in an EU Member State for at least five years, and must be enrolled in a PhD programme at UCD.

Deadline: 14 June 2026 at 23:00 Dublin time. Start date: September 2026.

How to apply: submit the online form and upload a CV, a brief proposal (max 1,000 words), transcripts, a writing sample, proof of English proficiency if needed, and contacts for two referees.