PhD in Quantum Repeaters for Secure QKD Networks

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition coverage

UKRI stipend (£21,805) for 2026/27

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University is offering a PhD project examining optical quantum repeaters for long-distance secure QKD. The research will develop theoretical frameworks to analyse repeater architectures and evaluate amplifier-enhanced and memory-assisted protocols.

Expected start date January 2027. Home students with fees covered for the duration of the three-year award, plus a UKRI-determined stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27).

Qualifications

• Essential: First or upper second class honours degree (2:1) from a UK university or equivalent in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• Desirable: Knowledge of optics and communications; Knowledge of quantum optics and quantum communications; Familiarity with programming (MATLAB, Python).

Responsibilities

• Develop a generalised theoretical framework for quantum repeater architectures.
• Model realistic device imperfections by incorporating loss, noise, and other experimental constraints into the theoretical analysis.
• Provide design guidelines for future experimental implementations of quantum repeater networks, specifying hardware requirements and performance benchmarks.

Education

First or upper second class honours degree in Physics / Electrical Engineering / Computer Science (or near completion)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Manchester Metropolitan University is offering a PhD project examining optical quantum repeaters for long-distance secure QKD. The research will develop theoretical frameworks to analyse repeater architectures and evaluate amplifier-enhanced and memory-assisted protocols.

Expected start date January 2027. Home students with fees covered for the duration of the three-year award, plus a UKRI-determined stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27).