PhD Scholarship: Theory of Wigner-friend experiments, from existing hardware to far future quantum computers

Company Description

Griffith University’s Quantum and Advanced Technologies Research Institute (QUATRI) undertakes world-leading research in quantum theory, quantum experiments, and micro- and nano-technology. The Centre comprises more than 100 researchers with numerous collaborations. QUATRI’s research encompasses many areas, including quantum information processing, quantum foundations, ultrafast quantum processes, microfluidics, nanomaterials, and compound semiconductor fabrication. The Institute hosts a node of the Australian Research Council’s Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology, and partners with many outside bodies including Psi-Quantum and The Australian Nano Fabrication Facility.

This opportunity will be based at Gold Coast or Brisbane South (Nathan), and the successful candidate will be expected to visit both locations weekly. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Job Description

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to work in quantum foundations, with a quantum computing emphasis. The primary focus of this role is to contribute to an externally funded project, “Advancing Quantum Experiments to Test Reality Beyond Bell’s Theorem” held by Prof. Howard Wiseman, Assoc. Prof. Eric Cavalcanti and Dr Nora Tischler at Griffith University. This grant is particularly concerned with experiments inspired by the Local Friendliness No-Go theorem published by us and co-workers (Bong et al., Nature Physics 2020), and variations on it. The PhD project will include conceptual analysis in quantum foundations, analytic calculations (in quantum information and/or quantum optics), and coding on both classical and quantum computers. Success in this role requires research under the guidance of theorists Wiseman and Cavalcanti, in collaboration with experimentalist Tischler and international partner Dr William Zeng (Unitary Foundation); further collaborations are also likely with our extended network of researchers.

Qualifications

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able to understand and work through complex mathematical/physics problems, have familiarity or interest in numerical programming techniques (e.g. Matlab, Python, or similar), apply independent problem-solving, and communicate scientific results clearly. You will have evidence of a passion for quantum science, with a strong desire to undertake research in quantum foundations.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure.  For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

Please Note:

• Prior experience in any of the following areas is desired, but not necessary: quantum circuits, quantum computer programming, game theory, quantum foundations, and the theory of agents.

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
2. A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

Additional Information

About The Scholarship

The 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $34,752 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across locations in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

Eoi Process

Please do not select the “APPLY” button.  All expressions of interest must be submitted to Prof. Howard Wiseman (h.wiseman@griffith.edu.au) and Prof. Eric Cavalcanti (e.cavalcanti@griffith.edu.au) containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a  copy of your academic transcript
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
• Names of two referees
• The closing date for expressions of interest:  Friday 24 October 2025 at 5pm AEST
• The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship online
• For project related enquiries please contact: Prof Eric Cavalcanti Email: e.cavalcanti@griffith.edu.au
• For administration enquiries please contact: Griffith Graduate Research School Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au