Mehul Malik

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Two fully funded PhD studentships are available in the Beyond Binary Quantum Information (BBQ) Lab at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, led by Professor Mehul Malik. The research areas are: (1) Entanglement generation with quantum dots, and (2) Noise-robust entanglement distribution for quantum networking. Both projects are at the forefront of quantum photonics and quantum information science, with strong experimental and theoretical components. The first project focuses on developing methods for the coherent control and manipulation of multiple quantum dots using spatially structured light, aiming to create efficient sources of high-quality single photons for ultrabright entanglement generation. The second project aims to develop and test high-dimensional time-bin entanglement for robust distribution over optical fibre networks, in partnership with BT Group, and includes theoretical modeling of noise effects in quantum links. Both positions are part of the ERC QUEST grant and are supported by the European Research Council (ERC), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and BT Group. The BBQ Lab is a member of two UK National Quantum Technology Hubs and collaborates with leading groups in the EU, North America, and NASA JPL Caltech. Applicants should have a strong background in quantum physics, photonics, or related fields such as Physics, Optics, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or Natural Sciences. A top-class degree or high grades are essential. The lab especially encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups in Physics. The annual tax-free stipend is approximately £21,383 (UKRI level 2025/26), with full coverage of UK Visa costs and the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge. Additional benefits include a research-grade laptop, £3000 for travel, and further funds for conference attendance. The application deadline is February 15, 2026, with the ideal start date from October 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted via the Heriot-Watt University online system, and two academic references should be sent to Prof. Malik. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr. Suraj Goel or Dr. Sugandh Sirohi. For more information, visit the BBQ Lab website or the provided links.

This fully funded four-year PhD studentship focuses on developing noise-robust entanglement distribution for quantum networking, a key challenge in next-generation quantum technologies. Hosted by the Beyond Binary Quantum Information (BBQ) Lab at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and in partnership with BT Group, the project aims to advance methods for generating and measuring high-dimensional (HD) time-bin entanglement and to explore its distribution over single-mode fibre testbeds. The research will also involve developing theoretical models to study and optimise the effects of noise in optical telecommunications networks, laying the foundation for scalable quantum networks across national infrastructures. As a PhD student, you will gain expertise in both theoretical and experimental quantum information science, including programming, quantum photonics, and entanglement theory. The BBQ Lab offers extensive photonics laboratory facilities and is supported by major grants from the European Research Council (ERC), UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The lab maintains strong collaborations with leading groups in the EU and North America, and is a member of two UK National Quantum Technology Hubs (IQN and QuSIT). You will also benefit from an ongoing partnership with NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Caltech, providing access to advanced superconducting detector technology. The position includes an annual tax-free stipend of approximately £21,383 (predicted UKRI level 2025/26), adjusted yearly for inflation, and is open to all nationalities. Additional funding is available to cover UK Visa costs and the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge. You will receive a research-grade laptop and have access to £3000 in departmental funds for travel to conferences and workshops, with further support for attending national and international conferences from the BBQ Lab. The PhD is primarily based at Heriot-Watt University, with at least three months of placements at BT. Applicants should have a strong background in quantum physics and photonics, with enthusiasm for experimental research. Suitable disciplines include Physics, Optics, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or Natural Sciences. High academic achievement is essential. The lab especially encourages applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics and Engineering. The preferred start date is October 1st, 2026, with some flexibility possible. To apply, submit your formal application through the Heriot-Watt online system, indicating the name of the PhD studentship. Arrange for two academic references to be sent to Prof. Mehul Malik at [email protected]. For informal enquiries, contact Dr. Sugandh Sirohi at [email protected]. The application deadline is February 15th, 2026. This opportunity offers the chance to work at the forefront of quantum technology, develop advanced research skills, and participate in international collaborations and conferences, all within a supportive and well-funded research environment.

This four-year PhD studentship, entitled 'Entanglement Generation with Quantum Dots,' is hosted at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh within the Beyond Binary Quantum Information (BBQ) Lab, led by Professor Mehul Malik. The project is aligned with the ERC grant QUEST (Quantum Photonics in Space and Time) and focuses on developing new methods for the coherent control and manipulation of multiple quantum dots using spatially structured light. The aim is to harness quantum dots as efficient sources of high-quality single photons, advancing the generation of ultrabright entanglement for scalable quantum technologies in computing and communication. Entangled photons are central to next-generation quantum technologies, including distributed quantum computing and device-independent quantum key distribution. Despite their importance, efficient and on-demand generation of photonic entanglement remains a significant challenge. Semiconductor quantum dots offer a promising solution, but current approaches relying on multiplexing many photons from a single dot limit scalability. This project seeks to overcome these limitations by building on the BBQ Lab's expertise in quantum information processing with spatially structured quantum light. As a PhD student, you will gain substantial expertise in both theoretical and experimental quantum information science, with hands-on experience in programming, experimental quantum photonics, and condensed matter physics. The BBQ Lab provides access to extensive photonics laboratory facilities and is supported by major grants from the European Research Council (ERC), the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The lab maintains strong collaborations with leading groups in the EU and North America and is a member of two UK National Quantum Technology Hubs (IQN and QuSIT). There is also an active partnership with NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Caltech, offering access to cutting-edge superconducting detector technology. Throughout the PhD, you will have opportunities to develop your communication skills, participate in collaborative projects, publish peer-reviewed papers, and present your research at UK/EU meetings and international conferences. The position includes generous funding: an annual tax-free stipend of approximately £21,383 (UKRI level 2025/26, adjusted yearly for inflation), coverage of UK Visa costs and the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge, a research-grade laptop, and £3000 in departmental funds for travel to conferences and workshops. Additional funds for attending national and international conferences are available from the BBQ Lab. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in quantum physics and photonics, with enthusiasm for experimental research. Applicants from Physics, Optics, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or Natural Sciences are encouraged, and a top-class degree or high grades are essential. Applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics and Engineering are especially welcomed. To apply, submit a formal application through the Heriot-Watt online application system, indicating the name of the PhD studentship. Arrange for two academic references to be sent to Prof. Malik at [email protected]. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr. Suraj Goel at [email protected]. The application deadline is February 15th, 2026, and the position is open to all nationalities, with some flexibility in the starting date (ideally October 1st, 2026 or January 1st, 2027).