PhD Vacancy - Rydberg Quantum Sensing Technologies for Resilient Communications

01 Oct 2025
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Teddington, United Kingdom
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Electromagnetic and Electrochemical Tech
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PhD

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PhD Vacancy - Rydberg Quantum Sensing Technologies for Resilient Communications

About the Role
Developing sustainable ICT and future telecommunications systems (e.g., 6G, quantum comms, AI-assist) with a bold focus on resilience has become a key national priority. Congested radio spectrum and coexistence of broadband wireless systems produce interferences and increase the real risk of failing future telecommunication infrastructure. Highly sensitive receivers and the ability to measure weak signals (comparable with noises and interferences) have become a very challenging metrological problem.

Recently, non-invasive Rydberg quantum sensing technology (RQST) has emerged as an enabling paradigm that offers highly sensitive and traceable measurements of RF fields over a wide frequency range and have become a very attractive solution. Different designs are reported but their insight understanding, especially from metrology perspective is still very limited.

Aligned with the EPSRC priority areas in digital futures and quantum technologies, this project is to conduct a comprehensive study on RQST using both theoretical and experimental approaches with the main objectives: 1-Study the RQST and identify the suitable frequency range and achievable sensitivity; 2-Develop state-of-the-art Rydberg quantum sensing testbed, evaluate its measurement accuracy and sensitivity; 3-Apply the RQST for resilient communications and identify its advantages and limitations (e.g., sensitivity, stability, traceability in complex environments); 4-Develop methodologies for characterising resilient communication performance of emerging telecommunication systems in complex electromagnetic environments using the RQST.
About You
The project is aimed at developing a novel testbed measuring/receiving weak RF signals using RQST for future telecommunication systems, which is a highly challenging and suitable for a PhD project. The student expectations are: 1- benchmarking the proposed research w.r.t state-of-the-art and identifying solutions in line with industry roadmaps; 2- building essential knowledge and skills for the project; 3- producing results and disseminating them through international conferences and high impact journal papers. PhD Candidates must hold a minimum of an upper Second-Class UK Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline. Candidates must be UK Nationals.

Link to apply: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/rydberg-quantum-sensing-technologies-for-resilient-communications/?p182943
About Us
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.