UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation & Timing

Study with QEPNT

Join the UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation & Timing and help us shape the future of PNT technology.

PhD Opportunities in PNT research at the University of Glasgow

Are you interested in joining us for a PhD in position, navigation & timing technology at the University of Glasgow? We are delighted to offer 4 fully funded PhD opportunities.

Expressions of interest are invited for a fully funded 3.5 year studentship based in the transformative Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation and Timing research Hub to overcome the challenges of miniaturising robust quantum sensors for a wide variety of end-use applications. Successful candidates will be based at the University of Glasgow in the College of Science & Engineering.

The University of Glasgow is home to an internationally-leading research community, an innovative graduate training programme and a long-standing reputation for excellent education, making it a vibrant environment for postgraduate study. Glasgow has been voted one of the UK’s friendliest and most liveable cities.

This PhD position aligns with the UK National Quantum Technology Programme, contributing directly to the EPSRC funded UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation, and Timing (QEPNT).

Mission 4 of the £2.5Bn UK National Quantum Strategy states the intent of the UK that ‘By 2030, quantum navigation systems, including clocks, will be deployed on aircraft, providing next-generation accuracy for resilience that is independent of satellite signals’. QEPNT was launched in December 2024 to support the goals of this mission, bringing together 10 academic partners and over 30 UK companies, creating a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and collaboration.

Why This Research Matters

Disruption of GNSS signals, whether through jamming or spoofing, could result in a £1Bn/day economic impact.Developing next-generation systems based on quantum technology with significantly improved performance that meet UK national objectives is the goal of the PhD.

Research Objectives:

• Device Modelling: Design components for integrating atomic systems or to simulate performance of single-photon detectors.
• Advanced Fabrication: Gain hands-on training in the state-of-the-art James Watt Nanofabrication Centre.
• Experimental Characterisation: Training and access to specialised laboratories that contain over £2M of equipment for characterising atomic systems, photonic integrated circuit devices, metamaterials or single-photon detectors, ensuring they meet key performance metrics for real-world applications.
• Field Trials: Practical training in the deployment of quantum technology based systems in a wide range of potential scenarios, including land, air, and sea-based demonstrations.

What We Offer

• Collaboration with industrial partners in the quantum technology ecosystem.
• Involvement in the UK Hub for QEPNT and other UK Quantum Hubs.
• Access to world-class facilities and training.
• Opportunities to publish in high-impact journals and present at leading international conferences.
• Support for career development in academia or high-tech industries.

The College of Science & Engineering strongly endorses the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a 1st class degree in a STEM-related subject. No prior nanofabrication experience is required. You must be self-motivated, have good interpersonal skills, and be interested in conducting interdisciplinary work that combines theory, simulation, fabrication and characterisation.

If you would like to submit an expression of interest for this opportunity please submit a CV, covering letter explaining your research interests and ambitions to info@qepnt.ac.uk  by 14th of May.

You can also find details of the application process at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/

Funding

If successful with the application, the student will receive funding available to cover tuition fees for UK/EU applicants for 3.5 years, as well as receiving a tax-free stipend at the rate of £ £19,237 for the 2024-25 session (increasing annually).

There will be further opportunities for demonstrating and tutoring to supplement the stipend.