Quantum technologies are transforming the way we think about information, security, and computation. At the heart of this revolution are qubits—quantum bits that can exist in multiple states at once and can be entangled to perform powerful new forms of logic. Several physical systems, such as trapped ions and superconducting circuits, have already demonstrated impressive progress in quantum computation. However, each faces a fundamental challenge: scalability. Building large, stable arrays of qubits that can reliably interact and be read out remains one of the biggest hurdles to real-world quantum technologies.
This PhD project seeks to open a new and unconventional route to quantum memory by developing molecular systems in which qubits are encoded in the nuclear spins of individual ions. Nuclear spin states are highly attractive as quantum information carriers because they are exceptionally stable, often maintaining coherence for tens of milliseconds or longer. Traditionally, these states can be probed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), but this technique requires an enormous ensemble on the order of 10¹⁵ spins to produce a detectable signal, making single-qubit memory impractical with conventional methods.
This project will combine the advantages of nuclear spin qubits with single-molecule fluorescence readout. By designing molecules that link nuclear spin states to optically active fluorophores, it will be possible to detect the state of an individual qubit through changes in fluorescence intensity. Achieving this requires a careful molecular design that can transfer information between nuclear and electronic degrees of freedom while preserving coherence.
This studentship will involve synthesising tailored molecular architectures that integrate stored ions, radical centres, and chiral graphene-based structures. To initialise and control the qubits, the molecules will be interfaced with trapped ion systems capable of delivering hyperpolarised ions directly into the optical microscope. These systems will be studied using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, allowing individual spin states to be imaged. The project will also explore photogenerated radical pairs as a route to implementing switchable quantum logic and supramolecular chemical qubits.
This is a highly interdisciplinary project that spans chemistry, physics, and materials science. The successful applicant will gain expertise in:
> Organic and molecular synthesis for creating tailored qubit-fluorophore architectures.
> 2D materials and nanostructures, particularly chiral graphene systems for spin transport.
> Fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy, including single-molecule and super-resolution techniques.
> Ion trapping and hyperfine spin manipulation.
> EPR spectroscopy and quantum theory through collaborations.
The project will be supervised jointly by Dr Ashok Keerthi, an expert in 1D and 2D quantum materials and molecular nanoscience, and Professor Ben Jones, whose research focuses on single-ion trapping and fluorescence imaging. The student will join a vibrant research environment at the University of Manchester, with access to world-leading facilities such as the National Graphene Institute, the Photon Science Institute, and the Henry Royce Institute. Opportunities for collaboration with colleagues in spectroscopy and quantum theory will provide further breadth to the training.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply: To be considered for this project you’ll need complete a formal application through our online application portal. This link should directly open an application for FSE Bicentenary PhD.
When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your proposed supervisor/s, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You also need to provide a Personal Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project and your CV. Your application cannot be processed without all of the required documents, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines where applications are incomplete.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and are at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
Eligibility: Applicants are expected to hold (or about to obtain) a minimum upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or physics. Research experience and interest in organic synthesis and/or spectroscopy is desirable.
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