PhD 2026 Intake: Quantum Hardware

About The Role and Team

We are currently accepting applications for our PhD programme

This is a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of technology development, developing new innovative circuits, devices and theoretical methods to tackle the engineering challenges of implementing a large-scale quantum computer in silicon.

PhD students will gain research and industrial experience working with some of the brightest quantum engineers, IC engineers and quantum computing theoreticians in a fast-growing research and development environment.

We do not award PhDs, and any offer for a PhD will be made in conjunction with our partner university, University of Technology Sydney, where Quantum Motion will support you and provide guidance on your university application. The successful candidate is expected to start in February 2026.

Application Process:

• CV
• 1-page personal statement which describes your motivation for pursuing a PhD and explains which topics are of interest to you (in order of preference) and why.

If your application is successful, you will be invited to a 30-minute technical interview with the relevant team.

Application Deadline: The deadline for PhD applications through UTS is January 15, 2026. We strongly encourage applicants to start the process well in advance to ensure all required documentation can be submitted on time.

Requirements: Due to the requirements of the CSIRO Next Generation Quantum Graduates Scholarship Programme, all applicants must be Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

Our Team

Since 2021 our team has been listed every year in the "Top 100 Startups worth watching" in the EE Times, and our technology breakthroughs have been featured in The Telegraph, BBC and the New Statesman. Our founders are internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University who have pioneered the development of qubits and quantum computing architectures. Our chairman is the co-founder of Cadence and Synopsys, the two leading companies in the area of Electronic Design Automation. We're backed by a team of top-tier investors including Bosch Ventures, Porsche SE, Sony Innovation Fund, Oxford Sciences Innovations, INKEF Capital and Octopus Ventures, and we have so far raised over £62 million in equity and grant funding. 

We bring together the brightest quantum engineers, integrated circuit (IC) engineers, quantum computing theoreticians and software engineers to create a unique, world-leading team, working together closely to maximise our combined expertise. Our collaborative and interdisciplinary culture is an ideal fit for anyone who thrives in a cutting-edge research and development environment focused on tackling big challenges and contributing to the development of scalable quantum computers based on silicon technology

Our team of 100+ is based across London, Oxford, Spain and Sydney, with our primary hub in Islington (London) and our Sydney lab based in Redfern.

Functions of the Role

The Quantum Hardware Team at Quantum Motion specialises in designing, validating and operating quantum processors based on silicon (CMOS) industrial technology. This PhD track is experimental in nature with laboratory based work. Silicon-based approaches to quantum computing offer advantages such as high qubit density, record qubit coherence lifetimes for the solid state, and the ability to leverage the advanced nanofabrication methods of CMOS technologies. Two-qubit gate fidelities for spin qubits in silicon now exceed 99.5% and registers of up to 6 qubits have been made so far. By integrating CMOS quantum devices on-chip with 'classical' digital and analogue electronics, arrays of up to 1024 quantum dots have been addressed and rapidly characterised in just 5 minutes. These advances open up many exciting research opportunities for spin-qubits based on silicon MOS (metal-oxide-semiconductor) devices, fabricated using the same processes used routinely across the IC industry today.  

This PhD project, part of the CSIRO Next Generation Quantum Graduates Scholarship Program, is an exciting collaboration between academia and industry with the industrial placement at Quantum Motion.

Project Focus 
The transition from small-scale demonstrations to useful, scaled quantum computers requires rigorous measurement and characterization. This PhD track is experimental in nature with laboratory-based work, offering the chance to work at the cutting edge of quantum engineering. Your work will be central to understanding and verifying the performance of our next-generation hardware. 

This PhD topic will cover the design and measurement of silicon spin qubits based on quantum dots (QDs). Silicon-based approaches are key to scalability, offering high qubit density, record qubit coherence lifetimes for the solid state, and the ability to leverage the advanced nanofabrication methods of CMOS technologies.

The primary focus will be on developing and implementing system and qubit benchmark techniques that are useful for near-term and longer-term spin qubit processors. The student will work towards establishing and demonstrating useful metrics and reliable means of characterising increasingly complex qubit device architectures.

You will gain hands-on experience and deep expertise in:

• Advanced nanofabrication techniques.

• Fast readout and coherent control of qubits.

• All experimental work is performed at millikelvin temperatures in dilution refrigerators.

Experience - Essentials

• Minimum 2.1 (or equivalent) Master's degree in the fields of Physics or Electrical Engineering or closely related discipline studied to master's level

• Particular experience of relevance will depend on the direction the student would like to take in the PhD project – understanding and/or experience in at least one of the following topics would be beneficial: quantum computing, measuring quantum devices, cryogenic measurements, analogue circuit design, machine learning, microwave engineering

• Experience of working in a laboratory environment

• Demonstrated ability to perform experiments, data analysis and preparation of technical reports and presentations

• Knowledge of scripted data acquisition software, such as Python or Matlab

• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated experience of working collaboratively in a team environment

Experience - Desirable

This project would suit an exceptional electrical engineering, quantum engineering, or physics student with a strong foundation in quantum mechanics and data analysis. The ideal candidate will be adept at devising and applying practical engineering solutions to the challenges of scaling tomorrow's quantum computers.

Benefits

• Working with a World-Leading Team: Collaborate daily with world-leading experts in silicon spin qubits, cryogenic electronics, and scalable CMOS technology from both Quantum Motion and our academic partners.

• Industrial Exposure: Gain crucial, hands-on experience through a dedicated industry placement at Quantum Motion, bridging fundamental science and commercial hardware development.

• Cutting-Edge Facilities: Access and operate state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, including dilution refrigerators and advanced measurement platforms.

• Skill Development: Develop highly marketable expertise at the intersection of quantum mechanics, semiconductor engineering, machine learning, and high-frequency electronics.

• Dedicated Mentorship: Receive guidance from both an established academic supervisor and an industry expert throughout your research journey.

• Vibrant Ecosystem: Become part of the dynamic Sydney quantum technology ecosystem and Quantum Motion's collaborative, innovation-focused culture.

EEO Statement

Quantum Motion is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunities and does not discriminate in any employment decision based on characteristics protected by Australian law, including: Age, sex (including gender identity, intersex status, and pregnancy), sexual orientation, race, colour, descent, or national/ethnic origin, religion, disability status, marital or domestic status, family responsibilities

We actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diversity that contributes to our innovative team.

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