Paul Stevenson

[Fully and directly funded for this project only. Funding is available for 4 years. UKRI Standard Stipend plus £3,000 pa uplift.] This PhD studentship at the University of Surrey focuses on developing quantum algorithms for calculating nuclear level densities, a fundamental aspect of nuclear physics. Atomic nuclei, especially heavy ones, possess a complex structure with thousands of excited states, which are crucial for understanding nuclear reactions and decay processes. Traditionally, statistical approaches have been used to describe the distribution of these states, but quantum computing offers the potential to bridge the gap between exact and statistical methods. The project aims to create and implement quantum algorithms on near-term fault-tolerant quantum computers, specifically targeting the calculation of nuclear level densities. This research is pioneering, as it represents the first study of its kind in this area, with level-density properties being unique to nuclear systems among many-body quantum systems. The successful candidate will join the AWE Quantum Centre for Nuclear Defence and Security, benefiting from its resources and expertise, as well as the Surrey research group led by Professor Paul Stevenson. Supervision will be provided by Professor Paul Stevenson and Dr Jack Henderson, both experts in nuclear physics and quantum computing. The studentship is fully funded for four years, offering the UKRI Standard Stipend plus a £3,000 per annum uplift. The position is open to UK and international candidates, with a start date in October 2026. Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements for the University of Surrey PhD programme, typically including a relevant degree in physics, computer science, mathematics, or a related discipline. English language requirements apply for non-native speakers. Applications should be submitted via the Physics PhD programme page. Instead of a research proposal, applicants should upload a document stating their intention to apply for one of the STFC studentships, addressed to Professor Paul Stevenson. The application deadline is 31 May 2026. For further enquiries, contact Professor Paul Stevenson at [email protected]. This studentship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of quantum computing and nuclear physics, with direct relevance to nuclear defence and security. The project is ideal for candidates with strong interests in quantum algorithms, computational physics, and nuclear theory.

This PhD project, 'Quantum Algorithms for Nuclear Level Densities', offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of quantum computing and nuclear physics. Atomic nuclei possess a complex structure, with heavy nuclei exhibiting thousands of excited states. Understanding these states is crucial for modeling nuclear reactions and decay processes, which produce highly-excited systems that cascade through various energy levels. While exact knowledge of all excited states is theoretically possible, practical approaches often rely on statistical methods to describe their distribution. This project aims to bridge the gap between exact and statistical approaches by developing quantum algorithms capable of calculating nuclear level densities on near-term fault-tolerant quantum computers. The research will be the first of its kind, focusing on level-density properties unique to nuclear systems among many-body quantum systems. The successful candidate will join the AWE Quantum Centre for Nuclear Defence and Security, benefiting from access to resources and expertise within the centre, as well as the Surrey research group led by Professor Paul Stevenson. The project is fully and directly funded, offering the UKRI Standard Stipend plus a £3,000 per annum uplift. Applicants from the UK and internationally are welcome. Candidates should meet the minimum entry requirements for the University of Surrey PhD programme, typically including a relevant undergraduate or master's degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, or related fields. A strong background in quantum mechanics, computational physics, or quantum computing is highly desirable. English language requirements apply for non-native speakers. The position starts in October 2026. Applications should be submitted via the Physics PhD programme page. Instead of a research proposal, upload a document stating you are applying for one of the STFC studentships FAO Professor Paul Stevenson. For further information or questions, contact Professor Stevenson at [email protected]. This project is ideal for students interested in quantum algorithms, nuclear structure, and computational physics, and offers a collaborative environment within a leading research centre.