Spain PhD Programme 2026

Quantum Motion; Donostia/San Sebastián; Presencial; EUR 25.000 - 35.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A leading quantum technology firm is accepting applications for a PhD programme focused on developing new circuits and devices for silicon-based quantum computers. Candidates will gain research experience while working with top experts in the field. The programme includes hands-on experience, opportunities for collaboration, and access to cutting-edge technology. The successful applicant will start in October 2026, with an application deadline of January 7, 2026. This position offers a unique chance to contribute to advances in quantum engineering and machine learning.

Servicios

Working with world-leading experts

Industrial exposure through dedicated placement

Access to state-of-the-art lab equipment

Skill development in multiple disciplines

Mentorship from academic and industry leaders

Conference and travel budget

Vibrant quantum technology ecosystem

Formación

• Strong depth in quantum computing, quantum device measurement, statistics or machine learning.
• Experience with data analysis software development.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn new areas.

Responsabilidades

• Develop reliable automation routines for quantum computing processes.
• Conduct experiments and analyze data for scientific publications.
• Apply machine learning methods for data analysis.

Conocimientos

Data analysis

Software development

Communication in English

Collaboration in research

Educación

First Class honours degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering

Master's level study

Herramientas

Python

Git

Descripción del empleo

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 the Basque Country, where Quantum Motion will support you and provide guidance on your university application. The successful candidate is expected to start in October 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 is January 7, 2026.

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, San Sebastián and Sydney with our primary hub in Islington (London) and our San Sebastián lab is based in nanoGUNE.

Functions of the Role

The Quantum Hardware Team at Quantum Motion develops and operates silicon based quantum processors built with standard CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) technology. This approach offers advantages for scaling such as high qubit density, long qubit coherence lifetimes and the ability to leverage the advanced nanofabrication methods of the semiconductor industry.

Quantum Motion has built a long and reliable track record in silicon qubit technology. The team has demonstrated a four-qubit silicon processor with gate fidelities above 99% and has set new standards in high-quality qubit readout. The group has also driven automated routines forward, including characterisation of 1024 quantum dots in less than 5 minutes. These advances open up many exciting research opportunities for spin-qubits based on silicon MOS devices, fabricated using the same processes used routinely across the IC industry today.

The project will be carried out in our facilities at the CIC nanoGUNE in San Sebastian under the supervision of Prof. Fernando Gonzalez-Zalba and Quantum Motion industrial supervisor Dr. Virginia Ciriano-Tejel. Moreover, it includes the option, if beneficial to the project and your interests, to spend periods working at the Quantum Motion headquarters in London.

Project Focus

This project tackles a real bottleneck in quantum computing. As the number of qubits grows, tuning, calibration and stable operation of qubits become increasingly difficult to manage. The aim of this PhD is to develop reliable automation routines that support these processes and allow systems of many transistors at low temperature to operate as functional quantum processors.

This PhD track combines experimental work with machine learning. You will work at the front line of quantum engineering and develop skills that reach well beyond this field. Your contributions will feed directly into the development and deployment of next-generation silicon-based quantum processors.

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

• Perform dynamical operations on spin qubits.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, contributing to scientific publications, patents, and presentations.
• Applying machine learning methods for automation, including reinforcement learning, Bayesian approaches and practical data analysis.
• Working with RF and DC electronics and high frequency laboratory equipment.
• Running experiments at millikelvin temperatures in dilution fridges.

Experience - Essentials

• First Class honours degree in the fields of Physics or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or closely related discipline studied to master’s level.
• Strong depth in at least one of the following: quantum computing, quantum device measurement, statistics or machine learning.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn the remaining areas.
• Experience with data analysis and software development, including Python and Git.
• Clear and confident communication in English.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team in a research environment.

Experience - Desirable

• Laboratory experience, especially low temperatures or microwave equipment.
• Software development experience, such as a GitHub profile with Python libraries or machine learning projects.
• Familiarity with quantum algorithms, error correction or state tomography.

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.
• Conference & Travel Budget: Receive a dedicated annual budget to support travel and attendance at quantum conferences and workshops.
• Vibrant Ecosystem: Become part of the dynamic Spain 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 applicable national and regional laws, 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.