Currently, there are PhD positions open at our research center starting in September 2024. If interested, please get in contact before 29/02/2024 with a potential PhD advisor (attach your cv, motivation letter and provide contact to someone who may potentially write a recommendation letter for you) and follow his/her instructions. We are sharing your applications, so might be you will be redirected to someone else. Also if you are uncertain about the advisor, or topic, just choose randomly and your application will be processed in the best possible way.

Below are our suggestions for PhD topics for this year.

• Andrej Gendiar
  • Geometry of interactions reviewed by tensor networks ΞΞΞ Tensor Network represents a modern mathematical tool that can accurately describe quantum states. We focus on the description of strongly correlated spin (magnetic) systems. A quantum tensor-product state represents the tensor network. It carries physical degrees of freedom which are interconnected via auxiliary (non-physical) degrees of freedom controlling correlations and quantum entanglement. During the PhD studies, we will analyze non-trivial topological phases by the quantum entanglement entropy, concurrence, negativity, and standard observables. Since these spin systems are not exactly solvable, we will develop novel numerical procedures using any preferable programming language (e.g., Python, Julia, C++, etc.) The goal is to propose alternative methods of tensor networks originating in renormalization-group techniques. We also intend to analyze hyperbolic curved lattices to revisit quantum gravity from a different viewpoint.
  Send your application to andrej.gendiar@savba.sk.
• Djeylan Aktas
  • Quantum optics systems for fundamental studies and applications ΞΞΞ The goal of this thesis work will be to leverage quantum resources that came available to experimentalists since the second quantum revolution to either investigate and better understand fundamental concepts of the quantum theory or demonstrate potentially new applications for future quantum technologies. This work will be achieved through the realization of several photonic-based experimental setups: single photon sources, generation of entanglement, spectroscopy-based stabilization schemes for feedback loop and more.
  Send your application to djeylan.aktas@savba.sk
• Denis Kochan (jointly with Peter Staňo)
  • Improving semiconducting quantum hardware by optimal data processing: estimation, feedback, and statistical learning methods ΞΞΞ Goals: Applying the methods of Bayesian statistics and statistical learning, devise optimized protocols for qubit measurements and manipulations of quantum devices.
    
    Annotation: A PhD in the theory of quantum computing with solid-state devices and Bayesian statistics. The goal is to develop methods to improve the performance of current devices affected by noise and other real-world imperfections. The targeted improvement is envisaged to come from devising novel--more efficient and faster--protocols for qubit measurements and manipulations. The core of the work is to explore how much better these protocols can become upon applying statistical learning methods.
    
    Requirements: (i) Motivation to learn. The topic is interdisciplinary, including two fields: solid-state physics and statistics. The candidate should become knowledgeable about current quantum hardware devices based on semiconducting spin qubits [1]. (ii) A positive attitude to programming [2]. The daily work will be largely programming and scientific computing [3]. (iii) Interest in Bayesian statistics [4] and modern statistical learning [5] tools such as deep learning or machine learning. (iv) Independence and the ability to work on your own.
    
    Literature:
    [1] G. Burkard, et al., Semiconductor spin qubits. Rev. Mod. Phys. 95, 025003 (2023).
    [2] S. McConnell, Code Complete, 2nd Edition, (2004).
    [3] W. H. Press, et al., Numerical Recipes, 3rd edition (2007).
    [4] E. T. Jaynes, Probability Theory: The Logic of Science (2003).
    [5] G. James, et al., An Introduction to Statistical Learning: with Applications in R (2021).
  Send your application to denis.kochan@savba.sk
• Michal Sedlák
  • Resource efficient implementations of quantum protocols ΞΞΞ Goals: Goal of the research is to develop analytical or computer assisted methods for finding resource efficient quantum circuit implementations of known or newly developed quantum information processing tasks.
    
    Annotation: Current stage of development of quantum computers is termed as Noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era. Capabilities of such devices are quite limited with respect to quality and quantity of the qubits, performed gates or types of measurements. Thus, to fully unlock their potential implemented tasks should be carefully optimized with respect to usage of those resources. The goal of the student will be to learn and further develop methods for optimization of higher order maps with chosen resource and causal structure. The student should also work with and improve methods for finding quantum circuit implementations of such optimal maps and other known or newly developed quantum information processing tasks. The research goals are planned to be addressed mostly by analytical means, but also computer assisted approach can be envisioned and would be welcomed.
  Send your application to michal.sedlak@savba.sk.
• Mário Ziman
  • Certification of performance of quantum devices ΞΞΞ Goals: To understand limitations of quantum experiments to test quantum theory.
    
    Annotation: Critical reconsideration on assumptions on the interpretation of recorded data and certification of quantum features. The exact problem depends on the preferences of PhD student.
  Send your application to mario.ziman@savba.sk.

About PhD study with us: The length of the PhD study is 4 years during which PhD student receives stipend starting with net(=tax-free) stipend 1200 eur/month and increasing above 1400 eur/month after midterm dissertation exam closing the education half of the PhD program. All depends on performance. In particular, the mid-term exam consists of the oral examination from the the studied subjects and the defense of the written PhD research project defining research goals and methods of the PhD student. The research half of the PhD program is ending with the defense of the PhD dissertation. In order to be accepted for the defense the student is expected to publish at least two research papers.

The selection process is relatively complex and happens in three steps:
1. Selection by the advisors of Research Center for Quantum Information. (March)
2. Selection process by Institute of Physics committee among candidates applying for common institutional funding. (April)
3. Admission process at the university by the dedicated PhD program committee. (June)

Depending on the research performance and availability of resources we are offering additional funding in form of renumeration. Phd students are provided with reasonable budget for research visits and to attend schools, or conferences. Office and computer facilities are provided. The institutional accommodation is offered for approx 120 eur/month in students dormitory and let us note that living expenses in Bratislava are lower than in "West" European cities (google it, or do not hesitate to ask our current PhD students).