Supervisors:
Professor Marina Carravetta marina@soton.ac.uk
Dr. Paul Vasos
Dr. Kirill Sheberstov
Dr. Isabella Felli
Project Title:
Quantum optimal control for long-lived NMR methods on methylene-rich systems
This project, within the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton (https://qte.ac.uk), carries a UKRI TechExpert enhanced annual stipend around £31k for UK students. While researching the project outlined below you will also receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.
Project Description:
NMR on Long-Lived States (LLS) and Long-Lived Coherences (LLC) offers an approach for extending the lifetime for entangled nuclear spin states. A new theoretical model will be developed, with the aim to predict and optimise experimental lifetimes, aided by quantum optimal control methods.
CH2 and CF2 moieties, frequently occurring in simple organic molecules and amino acids, contain spin-½ pairs that can often form entangled states. LLS are spin singlet states; LLC are a special class of zero-quantum coherences, superpositions of singlet and triplet states. These can exhibit longer lifetimes than the individual spin ½ nuclei even by an order of magnitude, and can also be created on spin chains, under favourable conditions.
The prediction of their lifetimes is complex and often unreliable, using analytical models. This project will address it via a comprehensive representation of the molecular system, its relaxation pathways and dynamics, with numerical calculation in the Liouville space. This new model will be the basis for quantum optimal control (QOC) calculations, to design novel experiments for more efficient excitation of these entangled states, and to improve their experimental “spin memory”. Longer spin memory is crucial for many applications: (i) the creation of more complex correlated states involving other nuclei, (ii) for detecting even minute variations of the spin environment at atomic level, and (iii) for quantum computing via nuclear spins, as qubits. The project will produce a “toolbox” with new theory and new QOC-NMR methods for the exploitation of LLS/LLC in a variety of systems. International collaborators will provide specialised samples, complementary expertise, and access to facilities, for hyperpolarization and high field NMR applications on alpha-synuclein, a well-studied intrinsically disordered protein. The project is well suited for candidates with a good theoretical background and coding skills.
For more information, please contact the supervisor: Professor Marina Carravetta marina@soton.ac.uk
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent).
Closing Date:
31 July 2026. International applicants must apply before 31 March 2026.
Funding:
Funding is on a competitive basis.
UK students receive a 4-year UKRI TechExpert tax-free stipend around £31k per year (UKRI minimum +10k); studentships at the UKRI base rate are available for EU and Horizon Europe students and International students. Overseas students who have or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.
How to Apply:
Please apply via the online portal and select:
• Programme type: Research
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences
Search for programme PhD Quantum Tech Eng
Please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.
Applications should include:
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts/ certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)
We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity and give full consideration to applicants seeking part-time study. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.