PhD Studentship in Quantum Cryptography

Award details

The Department of Mathematics at King’s College London is looking for motivated candidates wishing to pursue a PhD in Quantum Cryptography under the supervision of Prof. Roger Colbeck. The aim of this field is to exploit the properties of quantum systems to enable provably secure communication. The project will study the theory behind device-independent quantum cryptography, which exploits Bell inequality violations to further enhance security. One of the main aims will be to develop new protocols (together with security proofs) that enable device-independence to work with increased practicality and on real-world devices, hence pushing this technology closer to commercialisation.

The work will be connected to EPSRC’s Integrated Quantum Networks Hub (iqnhub.org), a multimillion pound, UK-wide project within the UK Quantum Technologies programme. The successful candidate will be connected to this project and hence have the opportunity to interact with a wider UK community developing and exploiting quantum networks. The anticipated start date of the studentship is 1^st October 2026, but minor variations of this may be possible.

Award value

• Stipend: Covered
• Bench Fees: Covered
• Tuition fees: Full Home or Overseas tuition fees covered

Funding is for 3.5 years and travel support is available for attending relevant conferences and training events.

Eligibility criteria

Award open to UK and international students.

Applicants should have a first class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and ideally an MMath, MSci or Master’s degree in mathematics, physics, computer science or a similar discipline. (If you are in the final year of one of these, you should expect to finish before beginning the PhD.)

Application process

To be considered for the position, candidates must apply via King’s Apply online application system. Details are available on the Department of Mathematics website.

Please apply for Applied Mathematics Research: Theoretical Physics MPhil/PhD, indicate Roger Colbeck as the supervisor and quote the project title in your application and all correspondence.

Please ensure to add the following code: "642" in the Funding section of the application form. Please select option 5: ‘I am applying for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London’ and type the code into the ‘Award Scheme Code or Name’ box. Please copy and paste the code exactly.

Selection process

The selection process will involve a pre-selection on documents and, if selected, will be followed by an invitation to an interview. If successful at the interview, an offer will be provided in due course.

Contact Details

For enquiries about the project please contact Prof. Roger Colbeck (roger.colbeck@kcl.ac.uk)

If you require support with the administrative side of the application process, please contact mathematics-pgr@kcl.ac.uk.