PhD Position: Quantum resources at the interface of nonlocality and computational efficiency Université Grenoble Alpes in France

PhD opportunity in quantum information theory at Université Grenoble Alpes

This PhD project, hosted in the Grenoble quantum research ecosystem and associated with the QuanG2 COFUND programme, focuses on the boundary between nonlocality, entanglement, and computational efficiency. The central idea is that quantum resources should not only be understood in information-theoretic terms, but also under realistic constraints on what an observer or device can compute. The project asks how standard notions of quantum resourcefulness change when the relevant agents are computationally bounded.

The thesis will investigate computational resource theories, pseudo-resources, and device-independent certification. One major line of work is to compare computationally defined measures of entanglement, randomness, and entropy with their traditional quantum-information counterparts, identifying when and why they separate. Another focus is the single-device setting: the student will study when a computationally limited device can reproduce correlations usually associated with separated parties, and how such situations affect certification and self-testing. The project also considers the impact of mild assumptions, such as bounded computational power or post-quantum primitives like trapdoor claw-free functions, on what can be certified about a device.

Methodologically, the work combines analytical tools from quantum information and operator theory with semidefinite programming, noncommutative optimization, computational complexity, and basic post-quantum cryptography. The successful candidate will work on a highly interdisciplinary topic at the interface of physics and theoretical computer science.

Eligibility and requirements: applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Physics by the deadline, must not already have a doctoral degree, and must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule (no more than 12 months in France during the 36 months before the deadline). Current employees of the host laboratory are not eligible. A strong background in quantum information theory, especially entanglement, nonlocality, and self-testing, is required, together with interest in computational complexity and cryptographic ideas.

Funding and application: this is a fully funded three-year PhD position under the Horizon Europe COFUND QuanG2 programme. Applications must be submitted through the QuanG2 online application platform by 7 September 2026 at 12:00 PM (Paris time). Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews after pre-selection in autumn 2026, with the final decision following the interview stages.

Location: Grenoble, France, at LIG Laboratory / Université Grenoble Alpes.