About the project
In this project, you will explore the design of many-body quantum echoes that amplify structurally sensitive data for quantum computation. By combining controlled quantum experiments with quantum algorithmic methods, you will gain hands-on experience applying fundamental quantum techniques to real-world problems.
Determining molecular structure in solid materials is central to chemistry, materials science, and drug development, as it reveals functionality and informs design principles. Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a powerful tool for this purpose, but classical structure determination is often slow and computationally demanding due to complex many-body spin dynamics. Quantum computers can accelerate this process, but they require information-rich input data.
In collaboration with Google Quantum AI, we have shown that many-body quantum echoes provide precisely this type of data. Building on this breakthrough, you will work in close collaboration with the Google Quantum AI team to combine theory and experiment. You will:
- design next-generation NMR many-body echoes suitable for realistic solid-state systems
- perform controlled NMR experiments to generate structurally sensitive data
- analyse results alongside outputs from Google’s Willow quantum chip
By integrating locally collected NMR data with quantum-computation-generated data, you will help advance quantum-assisted structure determination, bridging real-world experiments with cutting-edge quantum computation.
The project is additionally supported by the EPSRC Doctoral Training Landscape award, providing additional funding, opportunities to attend international conferences, and support for research-related travel. You will work closely with leading experts in quantum computing from Google Quantum AI and NMR, gaining hands-on experience in quantum control, many-body physics, and quantum algorithms. The project offers access to cutting-edge NMR facilities and other quantum hardware, preparing You for careers in academia or the rapidly growing field of quantum technologies.
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.