Received from the University of Sydney's Industry Engagement Team:

We have an incredible Scholarship Opportunity to be part of the Quantum Computing Future located in Sydney Australia!  Please share with colleagues across your university networks in UK, USA and Australia

• According to the Department of Industry, Science and Research “Quantum computing is poised to be a significant economic driver for Australia, projected to add $6B to the GDP and create nearly 20,000 high-skilled jobs by 2045, with potential for even higher growth. Globally, Australia's expertise in quantum research positions it to lead in creating a "utility-scale" quantum industry, impacting sectors like logistics, medicine, and clean energy while fostering secure international partnerships.”

Find out more

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join a real research project on quantum algorithms, funded through the ARC Training Centre for Future Leaders in Quantum Computing (FLiQC) program in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG).

DEMYSTIFYING QUANTUM

You don’t need a background in quantum computing to work at the frontier of it.

At its core, quantum computing is a new model of computation—much like randomized or parallel algorithms—that can sometimes solve problems faster than any known classical approach. For many problems in combinatorial optimisation, including classics like Maximum Independent Set and Minimum Vertex Cover, the best algorithms—classical and quantum—still rely on deep ideas from discrete mathematics, graph theory, and algorithm design.

This project is about those ideas first. The “quantum” aspect comes in as a powerful new tool: it can accelerate key subroutines (such as search, branching, or recursion) and open the door to fundamentally new algorithmic strategies. Much of the work involves designing and analysing algorithms, proving bounds, and understanding where quantum methods truly offer an advantage.

If you are comfortable with mathematical reasoning, enjoy tackling hard algorithmic problems, and are curious about new computational paradigms, you already have the right background to get started. Quantum computing can be learned along the way—the real challenge (and opportunity) lies in advancing the theory of algorithms itself.

SCHOLARSHIP & BENEFITS

Successful candidates will receive a competitive PhD stipend of A$42,754 per year (2026 rate, indexed annually) for up to 4 years through the FLiQC scholarship.

There is also an opportunity to participate in placement activities with the Defence Science and Technology Group and access to the broader FLiQC and Sydney Quantum Academy PhD Experience programs.

PROJECT DETAILS

Title: Quantum Algorithms for Exact Exponential-Time Combinatorial Optimisation

Project Description: Quantum Research Opportunities » Sydney Quantum Academy

Supervisors: A/Prof Troy Lee (UTS) & Dr Ben Travaglione (DSTG)

Academic Institution: University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Partner Organisation: Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG)

WHO SHOULD APPLY

This project would suit candidates with:

• A strong background in mathematics and/or theoretical computer science
• An interest in algorithm design, discrete mathematics, or computational complexity
• Curiosity about quantum computing - prior knowledge is welcome but not required

Note: Due to project requirements, this position is open only to citizens of AUKUS countries (Australia, United Kingdom, or United States).

HOW TO APPLY

Applications open: 1 April – 13 May 2026

Apply via: https://sydneyquantum.org/program/future-leaders-in-quantum-computing-scholarship/

For more information about the project, please contact the lead supervisor: A/Prof Troy Lee troy.lee@uts.edu.au