PhD opportunities in quantum science and technologies
QuARC invites expressions of interest from students wishing to pursue a PhD in quantum science and technologies. We offer the research projects described below and support selected candidates in applying for competitive doctoral funding. Interested students should contact the project supervisor to discuss the research and suitable funding opportunities.
Research projects
Improving qubit readout and amplification in superconducting quantum circuits
In this PhD thesis, the student will become expert on the state-of-the-art methods for qubit readout and quantum amplification of microwave quantum signals. He will delve into theoretical tools like master equations and input-output theory to describe linear and non-linear quantum light-matter interactions involved in these quantum systems. Together with the advisor and collaborators, we will push the boundaries by exploring improved schemes for qubit readout and/or parametric amplification, identifying and quantifying the limits and advantanges for their realization in realistic superconducting circuit setups.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in doing practical numerical simulations of the dynamics of these quantum systems, equipping you with the skills to contribute to the forefront of quantum technology! Learn more here.
Supervisor: Tomas Ramos del Río. Contact: tomas.ramos@csic.es
Quantum Simulation with Trapped Ions
Quantum simulators are laboratories for the exploration of quantum complex phenomena like quantum magnetism, topology, high-energy physics models and non-equilibrium phenomena. In this project, the PhD student will design and analyze trapped ion quantum simulators of 2D quantum magntes and driven-dissipative topological phases.
This is a project for a theoretically ambitious student willing to investigate in a multidisciplinary field that involves condensed matter, quantum optics and numerical simulations. The project will also involve interacting with experimental groups in Europe, US or China.
Supervisor: Diego Porras Torre. Contact: diego.porras@csic.es
Requirements
Candidate profile. We seek motivated students with a strong academic record in physics, mathematics, engineering, computer science or a related discipline. Before starting the PhD, candidates should have completed a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree, normally totalling at least 300 ECTS, or an equivalent international qualification. Students still completing their Master’s are welcome to contact us. Please send the relevant supervisor your CV, Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts, and a brief explanation of your research interests, indicating your expected graduation date.
International qualifications. Many Spanish funding programmes require a declaration of equivalence of average grades, available through the Ministry’s free online procedure. This document converts foreign academic grades to the Spanish scale. It is separate from formal degree recognition (homologación), which is generally unnecessary for PhD admission: the receiving university checks the level of your qualifications and whether they allow you to undertake doctoral studies in Spain.
Funding opportunities
We help selected candidates prepare applications to suitable programmes. The links below lead to the latest published calls for reference; these programmes have different application calendars.
FPU — Spanish national predoctoral funding. This programme accepts candidates of any nationality and places particular weight on undergraduate academic grades. Students may apply while completing their Master’s, provided they finish the necessary studies before the doctoral contract begins. The programme combines doctoral research with university teaching training. Latest call: FPU 2026.
Comunidad de Madrid — Predoctoral research funding. This programme supports doctoral research at institutions in Madrid. It requires a strong academic record and enrolment, admission or pre-admission to a doctoral programme at a Madrid university. Candidates from outside the EU must hold the applicable Spanish residence or study-stay authorisation when applying. Latest call: Comunidad de Madrid 2026.
Fundación Ramón Areces — Doctoral research funding. The foundation supports doctoral projects in Spain, including physics and mathematics. Its latest call requires an undergraduate average above 7.5/10 and is aimed at candidates beginning their research careers, with no doctorate and no previous predoctoral contract lasting more than six months. Latest call: Ramón Areces 2026.
“la Caixa” Foundation — INPhINIT Retaining doctoral fellowships. These fellowships support doctoral research at any university or research centre in Spain and accept candidates of any nationality. Candidates must have lived or carried out their main activity in Spain for more than twelve months during the preceding three years, provide evidence of English proficiency, and undertake their PhD at a university different from the one where they obtained their Bachelor’s degree. They must not have started doctoral studies before the fellowship begins. Latest call: INPhINIT Retaining.