PhD Scholarship

PhD Scholarship - Engineering and Emulation of a Robust Hybrid Quantum-Classical Inertial Sensor Platform

Join to apply for the PhD Scholarship - Engineering and Emulation of a Robust Hybrid Quantum-Classical Inertial Sensor Platform role at Swinburne University of Technology

Applications close: Tuesday 23 September 2025, at 11.00pm (AEST)

Quantum inertial sensors, like the shaken optical lattice inertial sensor (SOLIS), could transform navigation and sensing with accuracy once thought impossible. The challenge is making them work outside the lab, where noise, vibration and platform motion threaten performance.

This PhD is your chance to take that challenge head-on. You'll design and build the SOLIS Emulator Qube—a first-of-its-kind portable platform that combines cutting-edge accelerometers and gyroscopes with a powerful emulator replicating the physics of a quantum shaken lattice interferometer.

You won't just be building hardware. You'll push the frontiers of AI-powered sensor fusion, developing algorithms that merge classical and quantum data streams for navigation that stays reliable even in the toughest conditions.

Once proven in the lab, your system could take to the skies or the road, tested in real-world trials to show what resilient navigation looks like in practice. The impact includes a reconfigurable platform for prototyping, a real-time quantum emulator for rapid design and AI training, and insights into quantum–classical fusion. This work will lay the foundation for future miniaturised quantum sensors and feed directly into international defence programs—placing you at the forefront of trusted navigation technologies.

To be suitable for this role you will need experience in the following key accountabilities:

• Strong background in physics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, or applied mathematics.
• Experience or interest in quantum technologies, sensor fusion, numerical simulation, or embedded systems.
• Interest in defense applications of navigation and sensing technologies.

B.Sc. or M.Sc. in a discipline relevant to the project

• Work your way with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options and generous parental leave to support a balanced lifestyle.
• Exclusive staff discounts, including discounted health insurance and other partner offers.
• Swinburne offers salary packaging options, including car leasing and extra super contributions.

Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your suitability for this position. To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page. If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click "apply" and you will be redirected to Swinburne's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team at

Applications Close: Tuesday 23 September 2025, at 11.00pm (AEST)

Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne.

We support applicants with disabilities. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process. For Reasonable Adjustment requests, including accessible formats for the position description or application, please contact or call This number and email are for disability or reasonable adjustments queries only. General enquiries about the role can be sent to

Victoria's Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.