PhD Position in 2D Materials as Quantum Sensors

NanoHelp; Southampton; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Southampton invites applications for a PhD position focused on 2D materials as quantum sensors. The successful candidate will develop energy-efficient quantum sensing technologies and receive a tax-free stipend of £31,000/year. This project integrates quantum photonics and nanomechanics in a collaborative research environment.

Benefits

Fully funded EPSRC CDT studentship

Access to comprehensive skills training

Opportunities for industry collaboration

Qualifications

• Strong background in quantum physics, condensed matter, or nanofabrication.
• Experience with cleanroom fabrication, cryogenic measurements, or 2D materials is advantageous.
• Knowledge of graphene device fabrication, cryogenic transport, and photonics.

Responsibilities

• Develop suspended 2D membranes with quantum electromechanical properties.
• Design and fabricate quantum sensors capable of detecting single photons.
• Perform low-temperature transport and optomechanical measurements.

Skills

Quantum physics

Condensed matter physics

Nanofabrication

Excellent communication

Collaborative mindset

Education

UK 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

The University of Southampton’s Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences invites applications for a PhD position on 2D materials as quantum sensors, supervised by Dr. Makars Šiškins. The project focuses on developing energy‑efficient quantum sensing technologies using magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene (MATBG) and related 2D materials, integrating nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) and quantum photonics for single‑photon detection and precision metrology.

Job Details

• Title: PhD Position in 2D Materials as Quantum Sensors
• Organization: University of Southampton
• Department: Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Location: Southampton, United Kingdom
• Field of Research: Quantum Nanoscience, 2D Materials, Quantum Sensing, Nanomechanics
• Supervisor: Dr. Makars Šiškins
• PhD Duration: 4 Years
• Funding Type: EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering
• Funding Details: UKRI TechExpert stipend (~£31,000/year tax‑free for UK students)
• Eligibility: UK, EU, and International students (with or seeking external funding)
• Deadline: 31 July 2026
• Start Date: Academic Year 2026/27
• Contact Email: [e-mail]
• Application Portal: Apply via University of Southampton Portal

About the Project

Quantum materials such as magic‑angle twisted bilayer graphene (MATBG) have revolutionised modern condensed matter physics by exhibiting exotic properties – superconductivity, correlated insulator states, and extreme sensitivity to external stimuli. This PhD project aims to harness these phenomena to design 2D material‑based quantum sensors for single‑photon detection and nanoscale noise spectroscopy.

Working at the intersection of quantum photonics, nanomechanics, and superconductivity, you will:

• Develop suspended 2D membranes (e.g., MATBG) with quantum electromechanical properties.
• Design and fabricate quantum sensors capable of detecting single photons through superconducting transitions.
• Perform low‑temperature transport, optomechanical, and phase‑dynamics measurements.
• Investigate strain and electrostatic gating mechanisms for energy‑efficient tuning of superconducting states.
• Collaborate with world‑class researchers to realise quantum metrology platforms based on 2D nanomaterials.

This project merges quantum material synthesis, device physics, and nanoscale fabrication, establishing a pathway toward ultra‑sensitive and energy‑efficient quantum sensors.

Research Environment

You’ll be part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering, a collaborative initiative offering top‑tier training in quantum science and engineering, as well as entrepreneurial and commercial skills.

You’ll work in state‑of‑the‑art laboratories equipped for:

• 2D material exfoliation and stacking
• MEMS/NEMS device fabrication
• Low‑temperature quantum transport and optical measurements
• Superconducting phase mapping and optoelectronic spectroscopy

The University of Southampton hosts a thriving quantum materials and nanomechanics community, connecting researchers across Europe in quantum sensing and photonic device design.

Supervisor & Expertise

Dr. Makars Šiškins, Lecturer in Experimental Physics, leads this project.

Research interests:

• Quantum materials and twisted bilayers
• Nanomechanical systems
• Quantum sensing and optomechanics

Dr. Šiškins’ research explores quantum transport, strain engineering, and moiré physics in 2D heterostructures – merging materials science with device engineering for quantum applications.

Candidate Profile

Eligibility & Requirements:

• UK 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent (Physics, Nanoscience, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field).
• Strong background in quantum physics, condensed matter, or nanofabrication.
• Experience with cleanroom fabrication, cryogenic measurements, or 2D materials is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills and collaborative mindset.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of graphene device fabrication, cryogenic transport, and photonics.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for data acquisition.
• A keen interest in quantum sensing, photonic devices, or nanotechnology.

Funding & Benefits

• Fully funded EPSRC CDT studentship (4 years).
• UK students: £31,000/year tax‑free stipend (UKRI minimum + £10,000).
• EU/International students: Studentships at UKRI minimum rate or external funding opportunities.
• Access to Quantum Technology Engineering CDT training and industry collaboration.
• Comprehensive skills training in quantum engineering, nanofabrication, and scientific entrepreneurship.

About the University of Southampton

The University of Southampton is a Russell Group research‑intensive institution recognised for excellence in engineering, physical sciences, and nanotechnology.

Home to the Zepler Institute for Photonics and Nanoelectronics, the university leads innovation in quantum technologies, photonics, and materials science.

Its Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences combines advanced research in quantum materials, photonics, and computational nanoscience, providing an exceptional interdisciplinary environment for doctoral training.

How to Apply

Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
Programme: PhD Quantum Technology Engineering (2026/27)

To apply:

1. Visit the University of Southampton Application Portal.
2. Choose programme type Research, select PhD Quantum Tech Eng.
3. Include Dr. Makars Šiškins as the supervisor (Section 2).
4. Upload:
   
   • CV
   • Two academic references
   • Degree transcripts and certificates
   • English language certificate (if applicable)

Contact for inquiries:
📩 Dr. Makars Šiškins – [e-mail]
📩 General inquiries – [e-mail]

Reference Links

• University of Southampton – Quantum Technology Engineering CDT
• Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Dr. Makars Šiškins – Research Profile

Disclaimer

This position is open to UK, EU, and international applicants with a strong academic background. The University of Southampton is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity across its research community.